Fighting Loaches

[ally9143]

Hello,

Really need some advice. My sister and her boyfriend stupidly bought some fish to put in with her turtles, and as you can imagine they were 1 fish down almost instantly. So I have taken them on, I had 2 loaches (chinese algae eaters) and 1 barb. I have since bought 3 more barbs as after reading on the internet that they should be in small groups. Anyway, after a few months I am finding that my loaches are chasing the barbs alot as well as fighting with each other and I have read a few horror stories online about how they hurt other fish. I was wondering if this is typical and whether I should perhaps seperate them? Im a complete novice to the fish world and simply took them on as otherwise they would have been turtle food, so any advice is welcome!

Thank you

Ally
x

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Chinese algae eaters are notorious for being bullies. they have been known to suck the slime coat off fish as well as suck out eyes, especially as they become adults. Your best bet would be to rehome them.

 

[ally9143]

Chinese algae eaters are notorious for being bullies. they have been known to suck the slime coat off fish as well as suck out eyes, especially as they become adults. Your best bet would be to rehome them.

Thanks for the reply!

Do you know what they are suitable to be homed with? I don't want to give them to someone and them terrorise their fish aswell!

Ally x

 

[Dieses Madchen]

That I am unsure of. I have on that is in a tank with a betta. Its probably pretty unorthodox, but the betta keeps him in check.

 

[Blubble37]

That I am unsure of. I have on that is in a tank with a betta. Its probably pretty unorthodox, but the betta keeps him in check.

my only worry with that is that the loach may take a shine to his tail... but my betta usually beats up anything that tries to nip his fins (he's normally quite dcile, bt give him half a chance and he will go for you!)

 

[Dieses Madchen]

Flare has never had a nipped fin and has lived in harmoney with the CAE for a long time.

 

[Raf485]

Am i right in saying Chinese Algae Eaters are not loaches.

Anyway, i have 2 of them in my tank and they have grown now and are starting to not only harrase each other but the other tank mates. As they become adults they become aggressive so will see if my friend who owns a LFS will take them as i dont have any where to re house them.

 

[Blubble37]

i'm pretty sure they are classed as loaches... hillstream loaches are called borneo suckers but they are still loaches

 

[Raf485]

You could be right, i just never seen them refered to loaches or classed as when researching them online. I am kinda of the same situation as you. But i think giving them away would be my best solution, as dont want them stressing any of the fishes.

But some people have had better chances with them and their tank mates, each have there own personality i guess

 

[Blubble37]

yes, all fish have personalities...

 

[Raf485]

Ok i admit i was wrong, they can also be refered to as Sucking Loach.