Aquarium fish algae eater: description, content features, care and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Not all novice aquarists know that in addition to fish, snails, natural or artificial greenery and decorative ornaments, an algae-eating fish should settle in every underwater kingdom. About why the presence of these inhabitants is so necessary, we will try to tell in this article.

What are algae eaters for?

These aquarium inhabitants have a special role to play - to prevent algae from actively developing and to eliminate those types of vegetation that are not visible to our eyes. Algae Eater is an aquarium fish that will help you fight over-greening at the stage of formation of small algae colonies, as well as to clean up their remains after processing with special products.

This does not mean that aquarium fish (Siamese algae eaters or some other species) can solve absolutely all problems with algae. In an aquarium, it is desirable to have different types of fish, snails, shrimps, as each individual species successfully fights with certain vegetation. Exactlytherefore, in this article we will talk about different algae eaters. This will allow you to figure out which species is required for your aquarium.

Amano Shrimp

In the beginning, we will talk about Amano shrimp. They got their name in honor of Takashi Amano, who did a lot of work to popularize them. Today their official name is Caridina multidentata, although earlier experts believed that this species was called Caridina japonica.

Many aquarists believe that Amano shrimp is a panacea for algae, but this is a delusion. And this species of algae eaters (like all others) has preferences for certain plants, and not all of them are to their taste. Amano is especially preferred for filamentous algae. There is one important factor to consider here. The effectiveness of these aquarium cleaners is directly related to the size of the shrimp. The larger they are, the coarser the threads they can absorb.

It is preferable to choose specimens that have reached three, and preferably four centimeters. Too large Amano shrimp instantly eat away cladophora in the aquarium. For an aquarium with a volume of two hundred liters, five pieces of especially large Amano are enough. Individuals 3-4 cm in size will be required at the rate of 1 piece per 10 liters. These shrimp will be completely useless against xenocos and other green algae. In addition, they are less effective against blackbeard than the Siamese algae fish, which we will talk about later.

Gyrinocheilus (Gyrinocheilus, yellow algae eater)

Now let's move on tofamiliarity with fish of this species. The first one on our list is Gyrinocheilus. This algae-eating fish in the aquarium is the best fighter against green plaque that appears on the walls of containers with high levels of light. These include all aquariums (vegetable). Therefore, these algae-eating fish are ideal for the herbalist.

Gyrinocheilus has a sucker-shaped mouth, for this reason it only feeds on algae in the form of plaque. Girinocheilus does not eat black beard, thread and other types of filamentous vegetation. They should be kept at the rate of 1 individual per 40-50 liters, and no more. The fact is that this algae-eating fish feeds only on algae, exceeding the indicated stocking density, you risk killing the fish due to lack of nutrition.

Girinocheilus - the fish are quite active, they are kept in groups with other inhabitants. In the aquarium, their size does not exceed 6 cm.

Otocinclus

Another algae-eating fish with a sucker mouth. Otocinclus affinis is the most common. She also actively fights against green bloom and xenococus. In size, it is inferior to Girinocheilus and is less noticeable in the aquarium. Its length does not exceed 3 cm, which often attracts plant lovers in the aquarium.

Its effectiveness against algae is approximately equal to the previous representative of algae eaters, however, Otocinclus is less hardy and very sensitive to the composition of the water. Like most loricaria catfish,otocinclus does not tolerate large amounts of nitrates in water (10-20 mg/l). In this case, he becomes lethargic and may die. These fish should be kept at the rate of no more than one individual per 40-50 liters of water.

Mollies

This is a less whimsical algae eater. A fish, the maintenance of which, according to aquarists, is much easier. This is due to the fact that mollies (mollies) eat both all varieties of filamentous algae, and a black beard, and they will not refuse plaque on the walls of the aquarium.

However, their effectiveness is not very high, like girinocheilus or Amano shrimp. Mollies are very common in herbal aquariums, as they are almost always available in pet stores, which is especially important in cases of algal outbreaks.

Ancistrus

This algae-eating fish is effective against green plaque only at a young age (up to 4 cm). Usually in the aquarium it grows to a rather impressive size (15 cm). Therefore, when the choice is between them and Gyrinocheilus or Otocinclus, the latter is usually preferred.

Meanwhile, Ancistrus are very unpretentious and easy to find on sale, so they are quite common in herbal aquariums.

Siamese algae eater

Finally, we come to a real aquarium cleaner. This is a Siamese seaweed fish. Very peaceful and not too large, there are two types of fish - the Siamese algae and the Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchus sp). secondthe species is often referred to as the false algae eater. These fish are very similar in appearance, so they are often confused.

In most cases, real Siamese algae eaters are on sale, but it happens that their false "relatives" are given out for them. This is not surprising - in natural conditions they live in the same area, and the young of these fish often create mixed flocks.

How to tell the difference between the two varieties?

You need to know that a real algae eater has a horizontal black stripe that runs all over the body and continues to the caudal fin, while the chanterelle does not. This strip of a real "Siamese" runs in a zigzag manner, its edges are uneven.

False algae eater has a mouth resembling a pink ring. A real algae eater has one pair of black whiskers, while a false one has two (virtually invisible) pairs. Inexperienced aquarists can ask a very reasonable question: “What does it matter if the species in front of you is real or false?” The thing is that the fox eats algae much worse, and most importantly, it is aggressive towards its neighbors in the aquarium, therefore it is less suitable for an underwater “hostel”.

Natural life

This fish is found in southeast Asia, Sumatra, Thailand and Indonesia. The Siamese algae eater is found in fast-flowing rivers and streams with a hard bottom lined with cobblestone, gravel and sand. Prefers waterlogged tree roots, plenty of waterlogged snags.

Transparency and a low water level create favorable conditions for the intensive development of algae, which the algae eats. Experts believe that this fish can migrate, moving to more muddy and deeper waters.

Siamese algae-eater fish: keeping in an aquarium

Representatives of this species grow up to 15 cm. Their life expectancy sometimes exceeds 10 years. For maintenance, a volume of 100 liters is recommended. This is one of the most unpretentious inhabitants of the aquarium, adapting well to various conditions.

However, experts believe that it is better to keep them in aquariums that mimic the natural environment of fast rivers. It is advisable to create open places for them to swim, equip the aquarium with snags and large stones. The Siamese algae eater likes to rest on wide leaves, so you should purchase some large plants for them.

Water parameters must comply with the following standards:

• pH - 5.5-8.0;
• water temperature - +23-26°C;
• hardness - 5-20 dh.

Siamese algae eaters are good jumpers, so you need to cover the aquarium or use the so-called floating plants that cover the surface of the water.

When fully fed, "Siamese" do not touch plants, but eat duckweed, as well as water hyacinth roots.

Siamese algae eater: compatibility with other fish

We have already said that this is a peaceful fish, and therefore itcan be kept with most fish. Living together with veil forms is not recommended - the Siamese algae eater can bite their fins. Undesirable neighbors include a two-color labeo. This is because these two species are relatives, between which fights will definitely occur.

In addition, the territoriality of this species is manifested between males, so it is not recommended to keep two in one aquarium. The Siamese algae eater, as a rather active fish, will not become a good neighbor for cichlids, which zealously guard their territory during spawning.

Reviews

Experienced aquarists believe that without algae eaters it is impossible to create comfortable conditions for the inhabitants of the reservoir. They create the necessary balance of vegetation, prevent its excessive development.

Algae eaters do not require complex care, but population size should be strictly adhered to. Inexperienced owners should be aware that Siamese algae eaters love to eat moss (especially Javanese). Therefore, it is better to refuse to use it.