Chinese Algae Eater

The Chinese Algae Eater comes from Asia and has a slender body and is golden to brown in color. A darker stripe runs horizontally and is either solid or broken into spots. It is usually kept in aquariums for the purpose of keeping algae under control.

A minimum of a 30-gallon aquarium is recommended with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding. It can handle different water conditions but water quality should remain constant to avoid stress. In smaller community tanks the Chinese Algae Eater will defend its territory. This species of algae eater can become aggressive when they become full grown.

Breeding has not been seen or been successful in an aquarium setting. There is little known about sexing the male and female.

The main source of food is algae on plants, rocks, glass, and driftwood. Algae based wafers should be provided if there is a lack of algae.