chinese algae eater question...

[luvmyfish]

O.K. I am very confused about something...I have 2 chinese algae eaters, I have had them now for almost 2 years...but heres the thing....they get up to 12" yet my large one is only 6"...and even more perplexing my small on is about 3" ?? Any ideas as to what's up with that? :huh:

 

[mwood322]

Chinese Algae Eaters in my Experience only get to about 6 inches. At least that is the size they kept getting returned to our store at. Mine is about 6 inches as well. He was returned for eating tankmates...

I have never seen a Chinese Algae Eater over 7 inches...

--Mia

 

[luvmyfish]

What about the one that only got 3"?? When I see the two of them together it is makes me laugh because their is such a difference in their size! any ideas as to why this one didn't finish growing?? :huh:
Is it possible one is male one is female?

 

[cohazard]

Have you tested the water quality in the tank that they're in? Turtles are very messy, and poor water quality can contribute to stunted growth.

I also agree with mwood, I've never seen them over 6-7".


HTH,
Serg

 

[luvmyfish]

O.K. I understand 6" is the average size, so my large one is average...it's the little one that perplexes me...and I have to correct my previous 3" statement...she's probably 21/2"...is it possible she is a runt?? Weird...
as far as water quality goes...yes I regularly test...and even though turts. are messy, I have great water quality...I have four pumps on this sucker which I think really helps.
so anyone ever heard of a miniature Chinese Algae eater
She's very active and healthy, so i'm not worried about her health, just confused as to why she quit growing.(by the way, i got them at the same time, and they were roughly the same size, she is much more active than my larger one, he is very timid and spends most of his time in one of the caves)