Chinese Algae Eater

The Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) is a very common fish that is sold in almost every fresh water fish store. They can live in a pretty wide range of waters in a pH of 6-8 and a temperature of around 74-79F.

Chinese Algae Eater resting on some rocks.

Like their name suggests, these guys eat algae as a main food source. While that sounds intriguing, these guys don’t make the best tank mates. They get pretty large at up to 10″ in length and as they get older, they become more territorial and aggressive, chasing other fish and possibly attaching to them with its sucker mouth. I had one of these for a short time before I knew any better and had to give it to a friend after it became too aggressive.

On top of the aggression, most aquarium keepers assume a Chinese Algae Eater will live happily on what little algae grows in the tank. A CAE will make quick work of a smaller tank and require supplemental feeding. Algae wafers are a good source of food for these fish, but they may become accustomed to being fed and stop eating algae after a while, leaving you with the same algae problem as before.

The CAE is often confused with the Siamese Algae Eater, which has a much more peaceful demeanor. The reason these two fish are often confused is that they are similar in name and appearance. Pet stores frequently mislabel the fish. The easiest way to tell these fish apart is to look at the mouth. The Chinese Algae Eater has a very defined sucker mouth, whereas the SAE does not have a sucker mouth at all.