I'm looking for SAEs (like everyone else). I've seen flying foxes, and "Chinese algae eaters" everywhere. These "Chinese" AEs aren't the same as the desired SAEs are they?
I think you have it backwards, weene. The CAE will algae when it's small. When it gets larger, it becomes territorial, stops eating algae and will try to make snacks of other fish.
The SAE is an algae eating machine. It's non-aggressive and never stops eating. Mine are constantly scouring the tank for any bit of algae.
CAE's can be aggressive even when young; know this for a fact. Steer clear if you don't want your fish nipped/bit/fin-ripped. They have a spotted horizontal line rather than the solid black line of the SAE.
You might want to snag up those SAEs a little sooner; they can be hard to get. I had to wait 2 1/2 months for mine. I had to pay a little more, too. They will eat algae all their lives and are not known to get aggressive. CAEs will stop eating algae as they mature and are usually aggressive.