Garra kempi

[promethean_sprk]

Yesterday I bought a trio of Garra kempi for my 55g planted tank. I'd hoped that they were actually SAE, as I'd read that their stripes will wash out when they're stressed, and they were labeled 'siamese flying fox'. Perhaps the kempi should be added to the list of false SAE.

Anyway, the only info I found about their algae eating habits was here: http://www.franksaquarium.com/fish_farm.htm which claims they're as good as SAE. So I was wondering if anyone had experience with these guys? Will they eat brush algae like SAE?

Tankmates are angelfish, rainbowfish, skunk loaches, ottos, mystus catfish, candy-stripe pleco and rubber lip pleco. I'm a little concerned that they might fight with the skunks, but I think the loaches would win!

Someday when I do find real SAE I'll have to worry about compatability with them too. Speaking of which, anyone know a fish shop in the SF bay area that regularly carries SAE?

Thanks,
-Josh

[promethean_sprk]

Well, one died, but the other two are doing well. I havn't noticed them bothering the other fish, and they seem to genuinely like eachother, working their way up the acrylic, filter intake and plant leaves in formation. At 4" they act kind of like magnum ottos, and are definitely eating algae, but the jury is still out as to them eating brush algae.

I did see one wolfing down hair algae. He grabbed a piece and did an aligator roll to break it free. Then did kind of a spastic dance with the chunk of algae in an open spot to break parts free. I've never seen such a violent display of salad consumption in a fish before...

[Must4ng s4lly]

Good! Sounds like you got the algae eater you wanted! I hope they keep it up! I have a flying fox (yes, it was listed as an SAE) Every store in Houston has "SAE's" avail, but they all look exactly like the fox. Esp. when they are small! My flying fox is 4" and loves bloodworms. I dont think he eats ANY algae.... GRR!

[promethean_sprk]

Last week I discovered a store that sells the real deal SAE, so I got 4. They hang out with the ottos, but don't seem to bother the kempis. The kempis are kind of shy, I only see them on the front glass from a distance. If I come close they hide. I seem to see them more after lights out, though they are out during the day often too.

I did notice the algae situation improve considerably in the two weeks between getting G. Kempi and the SAE. That may have been more due to the plants putting on a growth spurt though.