chinese algae eater

[sweetsh4real]

At what size do these fish become a menace to other fish?

[aquabee]

They can be fairly aggressive even as young fish. Depends what else you have in the tank with them, but they pretty much go after anyone!

[sweetsh4real]

3 angelfish and 5 cory cats...The three angels seem to get along ok unless there is food involved...in that case one of the angels is agressive towards one but not the other..not sure if I need to get a couple more or what?

[aquabee]

3 angelfish and 5 cory cats...The three angels seem to get along ok unless there is food involved...in that case one of the angels is agressive towards one but not the other..not sure if I need to get a couple more or what?

What size are your angels (body size at a nickel, quarter, etc)?

[sweetsh4real]

about a quarter

[aquabee]

about a quarter

Is this in your 75g tank? If so, you've got enough room. Is the angel that's being picked on able to get any food at all? Is it able to swim around? If it's not able to eat or having frayed fins or being cornered, you may consider taking it out and giving it away or taking out the aggressor. They shouldn't be showing that much aggression just yet, but you may have 2 males and a female. I've done both ways-- trading out the aggressor and also trading out the aggressor and adding a few more angels at the same size, depending on how much room you have.

[sweetsh4real]

yes 75....they have been doing fine....but if not I should trade out agreesor or just add couple more so it won't be like paired off?

[aquabee]

You can try that. Theyre still too small to pair off
but it could still work by spreading out some of the aggression. You just risk ending up with more males.

[sweetsh4real]

ok...thanks...didn't realize fish could have so many personalities...I'm a little confused...may just take this one back and try again???

[sweetsh4real]

big tank with lots of plants...didn't figure b such a problem

[aquabee]

ok...thanks...didn't realize fish could have so many personalities...I'm a little confused...may just take this one back and try again???

That will hopefully work! Don't be discouraged. It'll work out eventually with a little patience and lots of love!!

[eklikewhoa]

Don't these strip fish of their slime coat?

[Complexity]

If you can take it back, I would recommend it. This is not a fish I'd recommend. It will only become more aggressive as it gets older.

[Complexity]

Here's a good assortment of comments from people who have owned this fish. Some people like the fish, others do not, but take note of the comments regarding aggression and territorial behavior. If after reading the experiences others have had with this fish, you still want it, then at least you'll have a better idea what you're getting into. Otherwise, stay clear of it.

http://www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Gyrinocheilus_aymonieri.php

Fish most definitely have different personalities, and you can't really tell which are gentle and which are aggressive by the way they look. Often, the large pet stores provide much too little (or downright inaccurate) information to make a good buying decision. For the best advice, talk to others in the hobby who have had experience with different fish. You can also get a lot of good info from the internet. If you ever have questions on which fish to get, there are lots of people here who would be more than happy to help. :)

[aquabee]

If you can take it back, I would recommend it. This is not a fish I'd recommend. It will only become more aggressive as it gets older.

+1. Why do LFS's even carry these any more?