Can algae eaters kill other fish?

Should I get rid of my Algea eaters?

If the algea eaters are making life miserable for the other fishes, they should go. Stress can kill your fish and it seems your fishes are living in fear and consequently,under constant stress. Could it be that your other fishes died from excessive stress? constant fear?

Will algae eaters Kill my tankmates?

Chinese algae eaters have been known to kill tankmates. I think for right now I am going to keep both of these guys, as my only option to get rid of them would be to take em out and kill them (and I can’t do that).

What is Chinese algae eaters?

In its native country, it is often used as fish food! They are part of the fish family that includes carp, so predictably they tend to stay towards the bottom of the tank. They start out small, usually only two inches, but Chinese algae eaters can grow up to 11 inches at full maturity in the wild.

Are shy algae eaters good for your tank?

These shy algae eaters are ideal for peaceful community tanks and are happy to be with their own kind and other friendly species. They are extremely sensitive to changes in their water quality which makes them a bit tricky to maintain. But they add an interesting element to your tank and do a great job keeping algae under control.

Will a single Fish solve an algae problem?

Whilst no one, single fish will not solve an algae problem; there are a number of species that feed on algae and will therefore reduce some of the algae in your tank. Which Algae Eater Would You Choose?

What are the characteristics of a sucker mouth fish?

They have a sucker mouth, like many other algae eaters such as the Siamese algae eater. However, they do not have barbels or spines, some characteristics common of catfish and similar algae eaters.

Do Chinese algae eaters eat algae wafers?

Young Chinese algae eaters are voracious eaters and do a good job of cleaning out the algae within the tank, but as they get older, they get more territorial and eat the algae less. You can supplement their diet not only with the algae in the tank, but algae wafers.

Is the Chinese algae eater fish dangerous?

The Chinese Algae Eater has a scaleless belly, and that can make these fishes prone to diseases. Also, the species is very sensitive to many commonly-used fish medications, so you will need a separate quarantine tank if you need to treat your other fishes.

How to choose the best algae eaters?

Before we get to the best algae eaters, it should be noted that when feeding your fish, make sure that you are not feeding them any more than they can eat within a five minute span. Any uneaten food will add nutrients to the water, further encouraging algal growth.

Can you breed algae eaters in a 55 gallon tank?

There are better algae eaters available for community tank setups. Breeding : Difficult to breed in the home aquarium. Aquarium Size : 55 gallon (208 liters) or larger. Tank Mates : As adults, they may attach to the sides of larger flat bodied fish such as Angelfish and damage scales.

How many gallons do Chinese algae eater fish need?

At the very least, these fish need 30 gallons. That number is assuming you only have one Chinese Algae Eater in your aquarium. Author Note: While you can see success with 30 gallons, we always recommend getting a slightly bigger tank (aim for 50 gallons).

What are Chinese algae eaters?

The Chinese algae eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) are slim and long freshwater fish. They may also be called honey suckers and sucking loaches, both names which reference their mouth.

Why is algae growing in my fish tank?

Having some algae growing in your tank is completely natural and normal, and it can even indicate that the level of beneficial bacteria in your tank is on point.

How to avoid algae from spreading throughout the tank?

It is important to do it soon to avoid algae from spreading throughout the tank. You are probably familiar with a practice of adding to the tank catfish, algae, or shrimps to combat algae. They can be really effective in small tanks, but only to a point.

Is there too much algae in a fish tank?

There’s nothing wrong with a little algae in your fish tank. In fact, it can sometimes be beneficial to your fish and give your tank a more authentic feel. However, too much algae can cause problems and doesn’t look to great either. There are chemicals available for killing algae, but I strongly recommend avoiding those.

How many species of algae are there in an aquarium?

In fact, there are over 8,000 species of algae present on earth, so whether you’re keeping your fish in a freshwater tank or saltwater tank, you’re bound to run into algae issues at some point. If you’re taking up aquarium husbandry for the first time, algae are something that you should learn about, especially the ways to keep them under check.

Why do catfish have sucker mouths?

Sucker mouths are a common feature in fish with inferior mouths. Catfish, such as the popular plecostomus (which literally translates to folded mouth), use a sucker mouth to rasp algae off driftwood or rocks. 4  Some species use a sucker mouth to hold on to help them combat currents.

What is the difference between a superior and inferior mouth fish?

Fish that have superior mouths are generally ambush predators, meaning they generally are hidden and wait for fish to come close to them before they strike. Common examples of this type of predator include the angler fishes. Inferior mouth types generally denote that the fish is a bottom feeder and eats things such as crustaceans or shellfish.

How do you identify a sucker fish?

Many suckers are almost indistinguishable from minnows, but catostomids may often be recognized by the sucking, usually ventral mouth with protrusible lips. Suckers live on the bottom of lakes and slow streams and feed by sucking up invertebrates and plants. They are generally rather sluggish fishes.

What is Chinese algae eater?

Chinese Algae Eater was first exported to Germany in 1956 for the aquarium trade, prior to that, they were used as a food fish in the native countries.

What should I do if my fish is eating algae?

If your algae eater displays any of these symptoms of illness or distress, talk to a PetSmart store associate or a veterinarian familiar with fish health: PetSmart offers free aquarium water testing.

What can I Feed my algae eaters?

In addition to high-quality flake food and algae wafers, your fish will appreciate some crushed spinach or lettuce, shelled peas, chopped fruit, and cucumber supplemented with frozen or fresh brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. The quantity and frequency of feeding your algae eaters depend on the amount of algae that are growing in the tank.

Will chemicals kill algae in fish tank?

There are chemicals that you can buy that kill algae, and it’s often tempting to go down this route because it seems a lot more convenient. The problem is, these chemicals might kill algae, but they are not good for your fish either. I’ve come across quite a few reports of fish dying or almost dying after chemicals were used to get rid of algae.