Spectrum Algae Eater

German name:
Glorious Algae Eater

Scientific name:
Garra flavatra

Origin:
Southeast Asia, Myanmar

Size:
Body length up to 8 cm

Aquarium

Length:
Length from 100 cm width

Contents:
from 150 liters

water values

Temperature:
22°-27° C

pH:
6 – 8

GH:
6° – 20° dH

Behave

Area:
lower area

Lining:
omnivorealgae, flake food, frozen food, mosquito larvae, tubifex, brine shrimp

Behave:
sociable, peaceful, calm, group husbandryrelaxed living together in the group, rank fights are possible, good algae eater, grazes discs and stones, good jumper

Number:
4 to 8 fish

Difficulty level:
beginner fish

Posture recommendation

Spectacular algae eaters belong to the carp family. They are also known as panda sucker barbel. In old age, the edges of the fins appear red, which is where the name red fin sucker mullet comes from.

The fish are popular with aquarists because they Nibble algae from the glass panes and stones in the tank. The whole group gets stuck in one area and literally grazes on the vegetation or swims around together. A beautiful sight.

The eye-catching banded pattern fades when the animals are stressed. This process can be observed well in the frequent scuffles about the ranking. When the quarrel is over, the pattern shines again as before. These fights look pretty rough, there are hardly any injuries. The more males there are in the group, the more often and more fiercely the fights take place.

The fish jump well and high. In the acclimatization period or when startled, they quickly end up next to the tank. One Cover prevents this and brings security.

In their homeland, the magnificent algae eaters live in streams and small rivers. They’ll feel more comfortable having one in their tank light current reigns.

Once the fish have settled in, they can trusting become. They come up and nibble their keeper’s hand when he dips them in the water.

gender differences

It is not easy to distinguish the sexes. The difference can be seen most clearly on the genital papilla.

The Males are slightly larger, with a squarer head and barbels. Their seed opening can be seen as a small dot. During the spawning season, they develop a spawning rash. Their coloring is more contrasting.

On the other hand, they are females fullerthey have an elongated spawning opening.

breed

Breeding in the aquarium is possible, although many details are still unclear.

In the case of free-living fish, this lasts Spawning season from May to July.

When the male develops the spawning rash and the female increases in size, it’s time to move them to a breeding tank. The pool should hold about 80 liters of water. The The temperature should be reduced slightly, a pH value of 7 is ideal. One is absolutely necessary higher flow than in the normal aquarium.

The fish prefer to spawn over sandy or gravelly soil. The fertilized eggs are between 1.6 and 1.8 mm in size. At first they are clear. The larvae hatch after 24 to 30 hours. For the next three days they feed on the yolk sac. Experienced breeders then feed them a special egg yolk suspension. After a week, the little ones start eating Artemia nauplii. When they are 1.5 cm long, they can get the food of the adults.

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