Chinese Algae Eater?? New To Aquariums Looking For Recommendations :d

Hello ! I'm kinda new to the aquarium hobby but I've done a few fish related courses (more so related to aquaculture) anyways, I feel I have a pretty solid background !

I’m sorry if my questions have already been answered somewhere on here! This is my first post and I've actually got a few questions..
Firstly, can anyone help identify my algae eater? I really think he may be a Chinese Algae Eater. I've attached photos. I've also heard someone say he may be a Siamese Algae Eater?

Big Al the mysterious Algae Eater came with a 10 gallon I bought for my Betta. The person I bought it from said the pet store recommended him for a 10 gallon tank. I recently bought a 46g that is cycled and I kinda felt bad for the guy.. so Al joined the family...
Since then I’ve read that the Chinese algae eater can become aggressive and grow up to a foot long?? I have him in a 46g right now. I’m planning to do a community tank in in the 46g once I get more hides and plants.

Can I keep him in there when I do a community tank and if so what are the best species to try with him ? If anyone has specific recommendations for stocking the 46G that would be great

Lastly, if he can’t live with tank mates what size tank should I get for him to live alone in ? I like this guy so I’d be willing to try to get him his own spot if he doesn't get along with others. ALSO. He has been eating algae wafers.

 

Welcome to fishlore! Yes, it's a chinese algae eater. I don't have much experience with this kind of fish since mine died with columnaris along with a school of neon tetra while in quarantine. I've read that they will eat algae only while they're young but move on to fish slime when they get bigger.

 

Thank you ! From what I understand some CAE are able to live with other fish and some just cannot. I'm hoping mine will get along with others !

 

CAE can grow to a length of 10" under ideal conditions.

 

They need to be fed. If starving they will be desperate and suck on the slime coat of other fish.