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Related FAQs: Algae Eaters, Chinese Algae Eaters, Gyrinocheilus
aymonieri, Freshwater Algae
Control, Freshwater "Scavengers",
Freshwater
Aquarium Water Quality, Treating Tap
Water for Aquarium Use, pH,
Alkalinity, Acidity, Algae
Control, Foods, Feeding, Aquatic
Nutrition, Disease,
Related Articles: Algae Control in Freshwater
Aquariums by Bob Fenner, Dealing With Algae in
Freshwater Aquaria by Neale Monks, (some) Algae (in moderation) Can Be Your Friend,
ppt presentation, Part 1, Part
2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5,
Part 6, by Bob
Fenner, Freshwater
Maintenance, Otocinclus, Loricariids, Siamese Algae
Eaters/Crossocheilus,
/The Conscientious Aquarist
Algae Eaters for Freshwater
Aquariums
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| Bob Fenner |
"Chinese" Algae Eaters: To be
avoided
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There are many biological feeders of algae that can be employed for
use in helping to control pest growth populations... Some are much
better than others... Tropical tanks are best served by members of the
family Loricariidae (see family coverage here and above) and Siamese
Algae Eaters and kin. Cooler water systems can utilize snails of
various species, hillstream fishes (Homalopterids) and some minnows
like those of the genus Garra and Epalzeorhynchus.
| Garra pingi pingi (Tchang 1929), the Garra,
though but one of a very large genus. Freshwater; pH 6.5-7.2, dH
12-25, temp. 12-25 C. Name derives from Burmese for "big
nose". A recent addition to the aquarium trade as an
alternative to the untrustworthy Chinese Algae Eater and South
American suckermouth catfishes. |
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| Gyrinocheilus aymonieri (Tirant 1883), the
Chinese Algae Eater... Likely one of the largest causes of
freshwater livestock (and hobbyist) loss. Too often confused as a
"cleaner upper", this fish is more of an "eater
upper", that will "ride" other fishes, sucking off
their protective slime coating, ultimately killing them. Available
as a gorgeous xanthic/golden variety... just as ornery. Not to be
kept with peaceful tropical fishes! To ELEVEN inches in length.
"Freshwater; pH range: 6 -- 8; dH range: 5 - 19 tropical; 25
-- 28°C. Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya and Meklong basins;
northern Malay Peninsula.
Aquarium keeping: needs plant feed; adults territorial; in groups
of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm
http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=12298&genusname=Gyrinocheilus&speciesname=aymonieri" |
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