Gold Algae Eater

The Gold Algae Eater is an ornate color variety of the familiar Chinese Algae Eater. This gorgeous golden yellow specimen adds a bright splash of color while providing the valuable service of cleaning your aquarium. Gold Algae Eaters are often kept in aquariums for the purpose of keeping algae under control, but this eye-catching fish performs double duty as a functional beauty.

This slender fish has a silver underbelly and has a subtle, patterned horizontal line that runs along the side of its bright yellow/gold back. The Gold Algae Eater originates from Northern India and can grow up to 12″.

An aquarium of at least 30 gallons, with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding, is recommended for the Gold Algae Eater. Though it can adjust to various aquarium conditions, water parameters should remain constant to minimize stress. In smaller community aquariums the Gold Algae Eater will defend its territory. Caution should be used when maintaining this species with discus and larger angelfish, since the Gold Algae Eater may harass these species.

Breeding has not been seen or been successful in an aquarium setting. There is little known about sexing the male and female except that the male tends to have more pronounced “thorns” around the mouth.

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.