Papua New Guinea/Indonesian Algae Eater & Bottom Feeders

Roan Art

Roan Art

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Oct 7, 2005
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Anyone know of any algae eaters and bottom feeders -- invertebrates, fish, don't care what -- found in that area of the world that are available in aquaria?

I've been going through a large database list by family name and region, but have yet to come up with anything suitable or available. The list only has fish on it, too.

Roan
 
What about from the Thailand area. If so then flying foxes and SAE are from that region. They get about 5-6 inches in length and are pretty good bottom feeders. SAE are pretty good algae eaters as well.
 
I did order seven SAE for the tank (and I forgot, but you just reminded me. They'll be here tomorrow), but thought I would check and see if anyone knew of any that were more specific to the area. I really wanted to keep the tanks as endemic as possible. Looks like i'll have to fudge it if I want some help with the algae and general clean-up.

I'll check into flying foxes. They sound pretty cool, but they're more bottom feeders, right? Dunno much about them. Do you think they'll cause a hassle with gudgeons? The Goo obos are more laid back than your regular gudgeons and not near as aggressive as peacocks.

I've got a few more tanks to do and I'd like to have a more diversified flora/fauna in each one, but keeping to the PNG theme -- if possible.

Thanks for the tip!

Roan
 
Flying foxes are not good tank fish, highly territorial and fiesty, especially with their own kind. SAEs are far superior and better algae eaters to boot (at least when small/young, they get fat and lazy when they are old IME).
 
I have to agree with RTR on the SAE and Thai Flying Foxes. Have you looked into inverts?

Mark
 
Exactly what sort of PNG biotope do you have in mind?

Regardless, if attempting to uphold fidelity with any Papuan setup, one should, generally speaking, avoid organisms hailing from mainland Southeast Asia or the Indonesian Archipelago proper -- markedly distinct biogeographical zones.

Look into the Irian "redfronted shrimp" (alleged "Caridina gracilirostris") at http://www.franksaquarium.com/freshwatershrimpfarm.htm.

If you select fish swift and small enough to evade notice, many Papuan Cherax crayfish make for beautiful choices:

 
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