Algaecide is the common name for fish that feed on algae. The most common type of them is the common armyworm. They are easily available, inexpensive and mild-mannered fish that are suitable for social tanks. What is worth knowing about their breeding and propagation? How long does an algaecide live and what to feed it?
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Types of algaefishes – the most famous species
Algaecides are fish with a wide variety of coloration and shapes. They inhabit in the wild mainly in South America – mainly the basin of the Amazon. The number of types and varieties of algaecides is large – but the the most popular aquarium species are:
- Siamese alga – they reach up to 25 cm and are native to the Indochinese peninsula. They are extremely jumpy fish that can jump out of the aquarium, so it must be well protected. They are rather peaceful by nature, although there may be aggressive individuals that will maul other fish. The Siamese alga has a grayish back, white belly and dark spots.
- Golden algae – are smaller fish from the family of armyworms, reaching up to 13 cm. Their natural habitat is the basins of the Amazon River. These glojonads feed on algae, aquatic plants and prepared food. They have a characteristic yellow coloration, which in bright light can appear golden – hence their name. They are generally non-aggressive and gentle species although their adults may eat other fish.
- Blue reptile – reaches up to 12 cm and lives around Brazil. It has a brown, black or gray coloration, and its entire body is covered with bright mottling. They are distinguished by their wide ventral and pectoral fins and a high dorsal fin. It is a peaceful and non-aggressive species, often a bit skittish.
- Leopardfish – in natural conditions it reaches up to 50 centimeters, although in the aquarium usually less. It is distinguished by its massive appearance and large head. It has wide fins, and its body is covered with dark brown mottling with light filling. It is active mainly at night and can be aggressive towards other fish. Its food is not only algae, vegetables and prepared food, but also meat.
What should you feed the algae eater?
What do algae eat? Contrary to appearances, in the natural environment they feed not only on plants, but also on insects and larvae. Therefore, it is important to remember that aquarium fish will not be satisfied with algae alone, and their diet must be supplemented. Rebarbers are divided into more carnivorous species, and those that will happily eat vegetables.
However, plants for all species of algaes play an important role. What do algae eat if, when it comes to vegetables? They are fond of peppers, cauliflower, spinach and zucchini. However, the food should be either cleaned or cooked and peeled before serving.
It is also advisable to use ready-made products available in stores zoological or aquarium stores – there you will find mixtures of both vegetable, as well as meat-based. However, when buying ready-made food, always select it individually to the species. If you have a carnivorous species, it can consume insect larvae, fish meat, fish eggs, krill or artemia. However, it is worth remember that an excess of protein products can be dangerous for the alga – the best solution is to give it meat products once a week.
Interestingly, algae are most readily fed by juveniles. As they grow older fish prefer other food – for example, leftover food, given to other fish.
How long does an alga live?
Glonojads are relatively long-lived fish, which grow slowly and live to several years – however, a lot depends on their size and species. For example, leopard armor, which grows up to 50 cm, lives more than 20 years. In contrast, smaller blue armor often live up to 10-12 years.
Reproduction of algaecides – what is worth knowing about it?
How to propagate algaecides? To begin with, it is worth realizing that not all species of algaecides will be able to reproduce in an aquarium that is not their natural habitat.
However, the propagation of one of the most popular species – the common armyworm – is quite easy. Sometimes it can occur even without the knowledge of the breeder. However, it is best to breed the fish in a separate aquarium, where there is one male and 2-3 females. An important equipment of such an aquarium will be a place where the female will spawn. Special ceramic tubes are available in stores, although pots or coconut shells can also be used. In natural conditions, the most common spawning season is winter, so she can initiate spawning by lowering the temperature of the aquarium water and gently softening it. The female usually lays several dozen eggs in the form of a ball, and the grains themselves are initially yellow. The eggs are cared for by the male. The hatching itself depends on the temperature, but usually the larvae hatch up to 7 days, and after 3 more they are already swimming. The fry require abundant feeding with algae and vegetables such as spinach, peas and lettuce. Until the young reach 2-3 cm, they should stay with their parents. How often do algaecides reproduce? Under favorable conditions, the female can spawn as often as every 1.5-2 months.
Elliot S. Radcliffe is an enthusiastic aquarist who has been deeply involved in the hobby for over a decade. Elliot discovered their passion for aquaristics when they inherited a small betta fish tank during college. This initial encounter sparked a deep interest in aquatic life and ecosystem management.
