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I was wondering if anyone heard of algae eating tetras. One of my lfs has some under this name. I am puzzled cause I've never heard of these guys and do they do a good job at algae if they eat at all....
The look like a SAE but all white.

Gee

Gee

!!I think I just learned somthing new!!

First I highly doubt they are actually tetras in the characin group. Are they true white or golden? If somewhat golden then they are likely the albino type of cae.

They are most likely [link=Darter Characins]http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Characidium&speciesname=fasciatum" style="COLOR: #FFFFFF[/link] of the genus Characidium. They are very interesting little fish, but like other members of their family, they can be sensitive to toxins in the water and high nitrates. Weekly water changes are a must to keep this species in top condition.

They do browse on algae, but they also appreciate small live foods such as insect larvae and worms. They will usually accept flakes and wafers if nothing else is available, but they greatly prefer live or frozen foods.

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

If they are indeed Characins, then they are rare in that they will munch algae. However, they won't do nearly as good a job as a bristlenose or other pleco in eating the algae. They are sort of like mollies from what I've heard, and will just take a bite here and there. Their focus isn't on keeping the tank free of algae, but on supplementing their diets with a little green.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

They are most likely Darter Characins of the genus Characidium. They are very interesting little fish, but like other members of their family, they can be sensitive to toxins in the water and high nitrates. Weekly water changes are a must to keep this species in top condition.

They do browse on algae, but they also appreciate small live foods such as insect larvae and worms. They will usually accept flakes and wafers if nothing else is available, but they greatly prefer live or frozen foods.

Fascinating.

Anyway, most tetras are omnivorous with a tendency to be carnivorous, so even if they did eat algae, they'd probably not do a very good job.

Last edited by Shinigami at 27-Mar-2005 10:02

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I never heared of Algae eating Characins.


http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/my_photos
http://www.deathbydyeing.org/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

Bingo Cory_Di exactly the one u mentioned
Now I was thinking about getting them...buat then once again...do I really need them? No progressive algae eaters and besides i think they only eat soft algae...

Gee

Gee

!!I think I just learned somthing new!!

I found this page which covers Characidium fasciatum (a species briefly mentioned in the old Innes book). The bad news is that Lycos has splashed a big Flash advert all over the page spoiling it. However, it still has good photos if you scroll down past the annoying Flash ad. Better still, view it in Firefox with Flash ads killed off.

Another alternative is this Polish aquarist page featuring the fish. Sorry, I can't translate Polish for you!

If any Polish aquarists would like to come and translate this page for us all, this would be MOST welcome, as it appears on the face of it to be a very detailed account of maintenance of this fish. And the more information we have at our fingertips, the better!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Bingo Cory_Di exactly the one u mentioned

*cough* Cory Addict.

Now I was thinking about getting them...buat then once again...do I really need them? No progressive algae eaters and besides i think they only eat soft algae...

These fish are completely peaceful (and really entertaining to watch). I have never seen them even chase another fish. They do eat only soft algae, and they are definitely not going to rid your tank of algae, but they are a sort of novelty to have in your aquarium. If, however, you are looking for a good algae eater, you better get a bristlenose.





Last edited by Cory Addict at 28-Mar-2005 10:09

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

:#(:#(

"Bingo Cory_Di exactly the one u mentioned"

*cough* Cory Addict.

Oh my....I'm soo sorry...I gave the credits to Cory_Di(Hey Di I'm not saying u don't have credits) That teaches me not to reply 4am in the morning

BN's gotta love em...I got 2 in my 55 gal Well I'm looking for fishes that eat hard algae eg. Staghorn/thread.
But I never could find SAE (real ones) at my LFS.]:| I got a flying fox but eats my flakes...

....I am thinking about getting some keyholes...

Gee

Gee

!!I think I just learned somthing new!!