Algae Eater ID

C

crazedACD

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Oct 26, 2009
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Hey guys! I work for a LFS (err..a store that sells fish..) and these guys were ordered. The guy who delivered them to us had no idea what they were specifically...they were labeled as "World's Greatest Algae Eater" ;). I've googled and googled and I've found nothing on them. I was thinking they might be a color variation of the Chinese Algae Eater, or a juvenile...but I don't think that's quite right. I brought two home pretty much to figure out if they actually eat algae (not totally sure at this point) and to figure out what they are. Anyone have any clue what they might be?

(Yes the tank needs work...)
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There was a post about these a few days ago. They're Garra Lissorynchus, the Khasi Garra. A load of them have been imported lately under moniker of "Worlds Greatest Algae Eater" Fwiw they have the same habit of eating dead skin as Garra rufa and the price is about 1/4 what the rufas inflated to after it was publicized that they had therapeutic value.
 
SubRosa said:
There was a post about these a few days ago. They're Garra Lissorynchus, the Khasi Garra. A load of them have been imported lately under moniker of "Worlds Greatest Algae Eater" Fwiw they have the same habit of eating dead skin as Garra rufa and the price is about 1/4 what the rufas inflated to after it was publicized that they had therapeutic value.
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Cool, thanks! I looked up that name and there was little info on care and temperament and such...any idea? They aren't like the CAE's when they get older are they? They do seem like nice little fish right now, if they caught on (would be a nice break from seeing the CAE's everywhere).
The price was good..I want to say $1.09 or something from the wholesaler, $2.50 retail.
 
They remain peaceful, unlike CAEs. I'm not sure as to max size,but probably around 3" or so like most of the other Garras would be a reasonable guess. They're generally easy to keep under normal conditions that we maintain our trops at. Have you put your hand in the tank and had them start picking at it? They do a great job on hangnails!
 
this thread is like deja vu. i posted about this fish last week. lol! Thank you Sub for the information you provided.
 
When Doctorfish became popular the LFS I was working at brought in a bunch of them in anticipation of selling them to a spa. That deal fell through so we just sat on them. I moved them to a bottom row tank and would go in early some mornings set up a step ladder to sit on, kick off my socks and shoes and get a pedicure. The Garras that engage in this behaviour are actually one of the best treatments available for psoriasis.
 
Yeah but at least here in PA they outlawed them for that use, at least commercially. Not sure if it's a federal thing or not. If you want/need a treaatment you need to set up your own tank.
 
Thanks for the answers, I was just looking through my lists today and they now have the scientific name listed... crossocheilus latius. So I suppose it's not of the garra variety, more closely related to the siamese algae eaters (crossocheilus siamensis). Both that I brought home have since passed, and from what I've now read they prefer cooler (68-75F) and fast moving waters, and can also do well in brackish setups. Possibly more suited to a goldfish setup? Glad I got the scientific name though.
 
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