What Goes Well With A Algae Eating / Sucking Loach ?

[mikekingpin]

What interesting fish could I get to go with this algae eater (http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/algeater.htm) - Also, what would you call this fish? Sucking Loach, or Algae Eating Loach? (Came for free with the tank).

I have heard they can be a bit aggressive towards other fish... So advice appreciated.

Something that likes the same PH and temp. would be obvious I guess, but just not sure what my options are!

Also, do these loaches like to bury in the sand like the golder weather loach? Or are pebbles best.

Sorry for all the questions, it is just that this fish (unexpectedly!)came with the tank we got, and I want to learn as much as possible about him, so we give him the best environment possible!

 

[Fish Guy]

These guys are bad news in my books, I'm afraid. The only thing I would put in with them would be aggressive cichlids. They don't really burrow in sand, so pebbles or sand would be fine.

 

[mikekingpin]

These guys are bad news in my books, I'm afraid. The only thing I would put in with them would be aggressive cichlids. They don't really burrow in sand, so pebbles or sand would be fine.

Thanks for your info

I heard lots of people say they are bad news - He came with a free tank we were given... So going to try to make the best of the situation, I certainly wouldn't have bought one, that's for sure!

One thing... I saw a couple of folk here recommending the cardinal tetras as a good one to put with a CAE, as they are not flat bodied, and also are small and fast - what do you think to that idea?

So many people saying different things, I am beginning to think I have Jaws in my tank!

Thanks for the info re: pebbles too.

 

[Caprichoso]

I agree with Fish Guy. These guys are perfectly fine in a tank until they get to be about 2.5-3 inches long(sometimes sooner).After that, they become very aggressive and territorial. I find it very frustrating that the lfs sell these fish so readily to people and label them as peaceful or as suitable for community tanks. They are not suitable in the long term at all and that is what every fish keeper needs to be aware of when buying one. Not that you had that luxury, as you got him with the tank. The other thing about them is that they really don't eat algae as the name would imply. They are more of a waste producer than anything. I commend you in your efforts to learn about your new friend but I would consider re-homing him if possible. If you do decide to keep him, you will need to add fish than can tolerate a bully. You may be able to have him with some of the larger tetras if you like tetras. I've also seen them kept successfully with Rainbow fish. Cichlids is also an option but avoid the peaceful varieties like Rams. Your friend will also need a cave to hide in as well. One question for you: How big is your tank? If it is at least 75 gallons, it will give you a better chance to keep him with community fish "somewhat" peacefully. They tend to stake out a large portion of the tank as their personal territory so in a smaller tank this will mean the majority of the tank will be his. I'm sure you can see the problem with that.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[mikekingpin]

Thanks for the info and well wishes!!!

If I did choose to re-home him, not sure anyone would take him?! Don't think there is any point on these forums, is there?

It would be easier if I had bought him from a LFS, as then I could get them to take him, but as I didn't, not sure they would.

I couldn't bear to kill the poor fish, just wish I could get him some form of therapy!!! Or perhaps an ASBO (sorry US people, I guess that's a UK joke!)

Humf, this 'freebie' is proving a fair amount of trouble!

Actually, I know someone that lives in Laos, near Thailand... Maybe I should post him in a big box and they can release the little fella!??? hahaha

I agree with Fish Guy. These guys are perfectly fine in a tank until they get to be about 2.5-3 inches long(sometimes sooner).After that, they become very aggressive and territorial. I find it very frustrating that the lfs sell these fish so readily to people and label them as peaceful or as suitable for community tanks. They are not suitable in the long term at all and that is what every fish keeper needs to be aware of when buying one. Not that you had that luxury, as you got him with the tank. The other thing about them is that they really don't eat algae as the name would imply. They are more of a waste producer than anything. I commend you in your efforts to learn about your new friend but I would consider re-homing him if possible. If you do decide to keep him, you will need to add fish than can tolerate a bully. You may be able to have him with some of the larger tetras if you like tetras. I've also seen them kept successfully with Rainbow fish. Cichlids is also an option but avoid the peaceful varieties like Rams. Your friend will also need a cave to hide in as well. One question for you: How big is your tank? If it is at least 75 gallons, it will give you a better chance to keep him with community fish "somewhat" peacefully. They tend to stake out a large portion of the tank as their personal territory so in a smaller tank this will mean the majority of the tank will be his. I'm sure you can see the problem with that.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Fish Guy]

I know any of the LFS in my area will pretty much take any fish off your hand for free. You could try asking around the stores in your area, see if they will take it for you.

 

[Caprichoso]

Yeah, most lfs will take him off your hands as long as he's is decent shape.

 

[mikekingpin]

I know any of the LFS in my area will pretty much take any fish off your hand for free. You could try asking around the stores in your area, see if they will take it for you.

Yeah, most lfs will take him off your hands as long as he's is decent shape.

Thanks guys! I will give it a go I think.

Mike.

 

[england]

Hello mate, where are you located?

As stated what size is the tank? I had a full grown one of these, iam on of a few who actually like them,lol

Mine was kept without issues with large cichlids and bala's,snakeheads etc...

I often see these kept in african cichlid tanks,

 

[karawr]

Nelly, I love my cae too!! Honestly I think they are the cutest and so far I have had no problems in my tank.

I have a 75g with two 3" Cae and I paired them up with some balas. I think they work so well because the balas are very fast and so they can get away and then my cae give up. I also have a turtle though, so maybe that keeps them in check lol. I would pair with other fast fish.

And I use sand in my tank and I like to think they appreciate it. They're always scurrying around on the substrate on their big bellies. But I don't think it matters really.