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February 7th, 2008
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| | Fish Lore Newbie
| Chinese Algae Eaters...Dangerous?
When I first purchased my aquarium, the man at the fish store recommended a Chinese Algae Eater. He assured me that these fish are docile, and do not grow over an inch in their entire life span Also, he told me that these fish are great for cleaning my tank for years to come. Now, it is my understanding that these fish pose a danger to flat bodied fish. I have an angel fish in my tank, will the CAE hurt him? Also, any personal information about experiences with this fish will be greatly appreciated. Thanks | 
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February 7th, 2008
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| | Fish Helper
| Hi Zimbabwe. I had a Chinese Algae Eater that was sold to me as an otocinclus (which is another type of catfish). I did my research on otos, and they are an extremely peaceful, fun fish. And they did look very much like the algae eater that I had in my tank. However, I started suspecting that it wasn't an oto when I saw it chasing my fish all around the tank, bullying it. It kept trying to latch onto the fish - so - yes, all of us who have had CAE's have quickly realized that it's one of the worst fish. My CAE grew from just under an inch, to 2 inches in 2 months - so no, your fish store person was dead wrong about both his points. CAE's, as babies/juveniles, are great at algae control, but as they grow bigger and badder, they stop going anywhere near algae.
Yes, your angelfish is especially tasty to him, so I would say - re-house or return your CAE as soon as possible. | |
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February 7th, 2008
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| | Fish Mentor
| Quote:
Originally Posted by AggieYen  Hi Zimbabwe. I had a Chinese Algae Eater that was sold to me as an otocinclus (which is another type of catfish). I did my research on otos, and they are an extremely peaceful, fun fish. And they did look very much like the algae eater that I had in my tank. However, I started suspecting that it wasn't an oto when I saw it chasing my fish all around the tank, bullying it. It kept trying to latch onto the fish - so - yes, all of us who have had CAE's have quickly realized that it's one of the worst fish. My CAE grew from just under an inch, to 2 inches in 2 months - so no, your fish store person was dead wrong about both his points. CAE's, as babies/juveniles, are great at algae control, but as they grow bigger and badder, they stop going anywhere near algae.
Yes, your angelfish is especially tasty to him, so I would say - re-house or return your CAE as soon as possible. | I completely agree! The one and only CAE I ever had the misfortune to buy, had an EVIL look in his eye, and would harrass other fish all over the tank. I ended up taking him out and giving him a 10 gallon all to himself......
IF on the other hand the fish in your LFS were Otoes, then what the store person said would have been true. Just don't get them mixed up. Check the Otoe forum thread, as I believe there are pictures to help you tell the difference. | |
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February 7th, 2008
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| | Fish Helper
| Yeah - It's rare to have an LFS mistake otos for chinese algae eaters, but otos are great fish - i'd love some for my little betta, but I think my boy is happier on his own. It would help if you could post a picture of him here so we can confirm what it is? | |
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February 8th, 2008
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| | Fish Helper
| Yes - if that's what you got, that's what it is - you have a CAE. If you read the profile description of that fish on that website, you'll find that it concurs with everything we've said 
I hate to have to hate a fish, but... Spike was.. mean. MEAN, I tell you. I still kept him for a few months because I needed him to keep the tank alive while I prepared the tank for a new filter and new substrate - then I brought him to an LFS that took him. (I bought a betta from them so they were happy to take him in) | |
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February 8th, 2008
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| | Fish Lore Newbie
| Thank you all for your help, I will remove the fish as soon as possible. | |
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