How to Breed Chinese Algae Eaters

Hobbyists infrequently breed Chinese algae eaters. This fish species is native to rivers and lakes in northern India and central Thailand. They prefer highly oxygenated water, with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. Algae eaters feed on algae from rocks, broad leaf plants and driftwood and should have access to several broad leaf plants. Sexing the Chinese algae eater is difficult, but females tend to be broader in the body, mainly when viewed from above. Little is known about their breeding habits under captive conditions, but a change in water chemistry and flow could encourage Chinese algae eaters to spawn.

Things You'll Need

  • 55-gallon aquarium with light
  • Water test kit
  • Peat (optional)
  • Submersible power head
  • Vibrator pump
  • 2 air stones
  • Soft air line tubing
  • Driftwood
  • Plants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up an aquarium of 55-gallon capacity.

    • 2

      Adjust the pH of the water to between 6.0 and 8.0 -- a pH reading of 7.0 is optimal. Add peat to the filter compartment if the pH is higher than 8.0.

    • 3

      Adjust the thermostat on the aquarium heater to between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Position a powerful submersible power head into the aquarium. Use the adhesive rubber suction cups to hold the power head against one of the side panes. This will create a strong current across the length of the aquarium.

    • 5

      Install a powerful air pump above the aquarium. Use soft plastic air line tubing to connect at least two air stones to the pump. Place one air stone on either side of the aquarium.

    • 6

      Condition the adult algae eaters by offering a variety of food, including steamed, blanched or boiled vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Continue to offer the standard diet of commercial algae eater wafers and gradually increase the amount of food that you offer daily.

    • 7

      Increase their exposure to light by leaving the canopy lights on longer. Extended daylight typically encourages fish to spawn.

    • 8

      Offer the fish sufficient privacy by adding several pieces of driftwood and as many broad leaf plants as possible.

    • 9

      Ensure that you have a small group of Chinese algae eaters in the aquarium. Although adult fish of this species can be territorial, Chinese algae eaters may exhibit an element of mate selection. A group will therefore increase the likelihood of spawning, and the 55-gallon aquarium will be large enough for mature algae eaters.