This fish, sometimes known as the "Sucking loach", is not really a loach at all. It is possibly more closely related to the Cyprinidae. The body is tan in color with a dark-brown stripe running the full length of the fish. The belly is white.

Algae Eaters are generally kept in aquariums to do just what their name suggests; to keep the tank clean of algae. They come from fast-flowing waters in Thailand and Northern India, where they use their "sucker" to attach to rocks to fight the current. Algae Eaters are territorial, as adults need their space or they will become aggressive. Young specimens are suitable for small community tanks but adults should be kept only with fish that are able to handle a nippy fish like this. Its efficiency as an algae-remover tends to diminish with maturity. The Algae Eater breathes through a special opening located at the edge and base of the lips.

Tank Setup

The Algae Eater should be kept in a tank with dense vegetation and bogwood for hiding. Use fine gravel and a strong water current.

Feeding

It's not fair to simply think that these fish can live off of algae alone. Often they will eat all the algae in the tank and will be given no special feeding care and starve. Recommended foods are sinking pellets, earth worms, live foods, blanched lettuce, and of course algae and prepared algae tablets.

Water Chemistry

Algae Eaters appreciate a slightly acidic pH of about 6.5, though a wide range of pH values are tolerated. Keep the water aerated through the use of a power filter or powerhead. Temperature can vary anywhere from 70-80 degrees F.

Breeding

Breeding has not yet been reported in the home aquarium.