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Related FAQs:
Algae Eaters, 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:
Freshwater Algae Control, 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 |
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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