golden algae eater

Jorl Dagger

Jorl Dagger

AC Members
Aug 31, 2004
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Madison, WI
I bought a Golden Algae Eater for my 20 gallon tank that has Mollies and Zebra Danios a few months ago, but now I am reading that they can get quite large and aggressive as they mature. I was not told this at the store, even though I told them what kind of a tank it was going in! What kind of trouble am I in for? I have only seen it chase my fish if they are new to the tank or if they swim at the bottom near its "cave".
 
Well if the golden algae eater is a chinese algae eater (and most likely it is) in the beginning they are a little aggressive (mostly chasing) and eat some algae. As they age they get much larger (up to 10 inches), stop being good algae eaters (their preffered diet changes) and they start to try and attack other fish by attaching themselves to the fish's side and sucking off the slim coat, which can lead to the fish getting an infection and dying.

For now keep your eye on him and watch your other fish. Personally I would return it and look for something more suited to a small peaceful tank, like ottos.
 
I know why people think they get to be monsters. It is because about a quarter of the ones sold as chinese algae eaters are a sepparate specie that does get agressive as they attain maturity.

that said when grown they get about 5 or 6 inches long and if not the ones that get agressive can be an entertaining fish like some loaches are. one of the fish that the most believe it or not type stories was one that my dad had when I was still at home.

he was quick to hide if you were right there so it was hard to see him carrying on but if you did see him out he was usually up to somthing entertaining.

in my opinion these fish have the smarts to be more interesting than any corydorus could be.
 
All the CAEs that are sold as CAEs are the aggressive species ([PEDANTIC NOTE] note the singular is not "specie" [/PEDANTIC NOTE).

The problem is that many fish sold as SAEs are actually CAEs.
 
I would look at 3-4 ottos for your tank. But with any algae eating fish be prepared to offer other food. Algae is rarely a good sole food option for any fish. And start offering food right away so they get used to it. Veggies like zucchini or spinach are usually good to start with.
 
well if all the CAE are the agressive ones(won't use that word since you didn't say what is the correct form) then not all of them are agressive.

only one that my dad had got agressive out of the 4 or 5 he had. playful yes but not agressive in the sucking on other fish kind of way.


and the usual problem is that fish sold as SAEs are actually flying foxes which do look similar to the SAEs with only the marking on the tail difference. CAEs are enough different that any one that has seen a SAE wouldn't mistake them for one.
 
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I retuned the Golden Algae Eater to the store. I now have 3 Ottos which I purchased from a different, more reputable LFS. I hope they do well!
Thanx for your helpful advice.
 
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