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Related FAQs: Algae
Eaters, Freshwater Algae
Control, Freshwater Aquarium Water
Quality, Treating Tap Water for Aquarium Use,
pH, Alkalinity, Acidity, Algae Control, Foods,
Feeding, Aquatic Nutrition, Disease,
Related Articles: Freshwater
Algae Control, Freshwater
Maintenance, Otocinclus, Loricariids, Siamese Algae
Eaters/Crossocheilus,
/The Conscientious
Aquarist
Algae
Eaters for Freshwater Aquariums
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To be avoided |
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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