I would love to have a pair of African or Convict Cichlids and they would stand their ground against CAE thats for sure.
Worst Tank Mates: Slow-moving fish and flat-sided fish are loved by Chinese algae eaters. You’ll see them “kissing”
goldfish, gouramis, and angels constantly.
Good Tank Mates: Chinese algae eaters have a hard time catching small, fast-moving fishes. Danios, barbs, and tetras survive fairly well with them.
Better Tank Mates: When Chinese algae eaters get large, throw them in with your cichlids – preferably African cichlids. They can take turns “kissing” each other. We take in large ones at Aqualand all the time. In cichlid tanks, they like to hide in the rock work. They come out when they feel like playing tag.
Best Tank Mates: Chinese algae eaters rarely bother turtles and crayfish.
http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Oddball,...ae%20Eater.htm
Read more on CAE from the site listed above...