False siamese algae eater / Stonelapping minnow

Alternative Name(s): False Flying Fox, False Siamese Algae Eater, Stonelapping Minnow, False Flying Fox

Scientific Name(s): Garra taeniata, Garra parvifilum, Epalzeorhynchos sp

Category: Freshwater / Tropical

Difficulty: ***

Maximum Size: 10.2-12.7cm (4-5 ")

Minimum Tank Volume: 75.7 Litres (20 US G.

Minimum Tank Size: 75.7 Litres (20 US G.)

Water Temperature Range: 20 -25 °C (68-77°F)

Water pH Range: 6.0 - 8.0

Water Hardness Range: 1-10 °d

General Information:

This fish is often sold as the very popular Siamese algae eater or Flying fox by less knowledgeable aquarium shops. However its long bright line above the dark band and the fact the dark band does not go right up to the end of the caudal fin is the clue to its true identity. It's fins are tinted yellow.

Tank Requirements:

Heavily planted. The African river locations these fish originate from are very like mid Amazon conditions. Provide plenty of hiding places.

Diet Requirements:

Mostly an algae eater, with a liking for the odd catfish pellet. It will also appreciate a chunk of cucumber or baby marrow. Prepare the vegetables by putting it in water, in the microwave for about 40 seconds, to help it to sink. It also eats normal fish flakes, but this is not sufficient on it's own. Feeding regime: Once a day with a algae tablet if your tank is free of algae.

Compatibility:

A generally peaceful algae eating fish, will not tolerate others of it's own kind however, nor other similar-looking fish.

Recommendations:

Require a reasonable water current with a high oxygen content. Planted tank will be preferred.

Common Problems:

Does not tolerate other similar shaped fish to be near it. Will chase the others away from its claimed territory but do not appear to hurt each other. However if your tank is long and well planted you can get away with having several of these fish if they do not have constant sight of each other. Prefers to sit on large leaves well off the substrate. This fish pales significantly at night.

Similar Species:

Many similar Arican characins: phenacogrammus etc., large communities of such mixed species possible.

Sexing:

Difficult to visually sex, mature females may be fuller in the belly than more slender males.

Breeding:

Large shoal, equal sex split, spawning mats, ground level mosses and gravel areas, remove eggs to be raised away from parents.