Gold Algae Eater

I have 9 Harlequin Rasbora, 8 Neon Tetra, 1 Bolivian Ram and 1 Otocinclus in my 29 gallon Tank.

I heard that Gold Algae eater will grow very large and become aggressive.
Is this true? He seems to be only a couple inches for now and I bought him as a replacement for 4 or so Otocinclus that died over the last year.

He seems pretty happy in the tank, and hasnt bothered the other fish at all. I can always return him to the fish shop if he gets too big.

 

Yes Chinese algae eaters can grow up to 1' long.. and don't bet on being able to return them. Most pet stores don't want them back. They make money because of "algae eater" in the name, but they stop eating algae after a couple months and look for other sources of food. Your ram will likely be the first target, just a heads up.

 

It's more of a golden yellowish color, with no stripes. The fish store owner said I could bring it back if he got big. The fish store owner could have been interested in making money, but at a paltry $3.88 I think he could just be misinformed at best. He and other fish store worker talked about it and they said these don't get bigger than 4-6 inches.

Looks like this:



Does this make the situation any different?

 

Scroll down on the page to where it says Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, or you can just have your browser find where it says "chinese algae eater". There is a picture of the golden variety, commonly referred to as the "golden sucking loach", just below the title. To me, that looks identical to the link you just posted.

I believe Ladayen's post was a typo; they grow to 10", not 1"! I would attempt to rehome him asap, BEFORE he gets too big and aggressive for anybody else to take him, and maybe get something like a bristle nose plec, or something else that will relatively small and friendly.

 

Ok so I guess all the nasty stuff I read about Chinese algae eaters was correct. I'll call the fish store and see if they will take him back and exchange possibly. I'll get some more Oto's