Small Tropical Fish

Small Tropical Fish

It might not be the most beautiful fish, but the Chinese Algae Eater is certainly the hardest working. If you are battling algae in your aquarium, this little fish can help to clean in no time!

The Chinese Algae Eater (aymonieri Gyrinocheilus) is not striking in appearance, it is light brown with a dark band on the back. Its mouth is located underneath which is typical of a loach, this investment allows it to grip the rocks and things for him to stay up in the current. In your tank you will often see his belly as he clings to the glass and eat algae acting as a fast and efficient reservoir clean. Although it may seem like a fish can not do the job, believe me, you'll be surprised as it can literally clean your tank with a night, and keep it clean.

In the fish store, you will find mostly young Chinese algae eaters that are about ½ inch to 1 inch in size. Even for this small, you will find that they consume massive amounts of algae. Young fish will almost go just about their business, but older ones can be territorial so it is not desirable to have more of an algae eater Chinese in your tank.

This tropical fish grows in most aquariums and its optimum temperature is between 77 and 82 degrees. They can probably tolerate less time, but if your tank drops below 69 degrees, the Chinese Algae Eater will stop eating so do not forget keep the tank warm so that your stay in low vacuum will continue to do its work.

Eating a herbivorous diet, your algae eater will need, of course, a lot of algae in the tank so you will need to be sure that the tank receives the fire so that the algae growing. If it seems he is not get enough food, or if you want to give anything else you can hang a little lettuce or spinach on the side of the tank.

You may find that your Chinese Algae Eater often drags the bottom of the tank, and there he is most comfortable. Of course, it will scan the tank regularly for algae, so you also see on your rocks, decorations and sides. Although rather low at the beginning, this fish can grow to 11 inches so you might want to make sure you have enough space to house as an adult!

The Chinese Algae Eater can be purchased at your local aquarium store and is readily available. If the seller does not know what a Chinese Algae Eater is So try to ask an algae eater Indian or Sucking Loach, which are other names for this fish interesting.

So if you want a fish that is more practical than pretty, and that will do your cleaning for you without asking for a weekly wage, the Chinese Algae Eater is a great value!

About the Author:

Lee Dobbins writes for
http://www.fish-tank-guide.com
where you can learn more about everything to do with your
fish tank
.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Stop Scrubbing Your Fish Tank - Let The Chinese Algae Eater Do It For You!

underwater coral and school of small tropical fish

• Tropical Fish Facts
• Tropical Fish Wholesale

Tagged with: algae eaters • Aquarium • Aquariums • Fish Tank • ppl • Small Tropical Fish • Tropical Fish