Uh Oh! Bought 3 Golden Loaches...

[eBenZo]

As you may know, algae has started to build up in my tank, so my parents and I took preventive measures and went to the LFS (local fish shop, right?) to look for an algae eater.

They didn't have the Otos which some helpful members advised in this forum so I wanted to purchase some plecos or corys.
Typically, my mum complained that they looked "ugly" and the golden loach was the choice, recommended by the staff to my dad as "very good algae eaters".

One would have been okay, but she decided to get THREE !
At the time, it seemed like a good decision as we watched them sucking away on everything in the little display tanks.
They are now in the tank and doing what seems like a good job hoovering up the plants and ornaments, etc.

However, I've just done some research about this loaches and many people on different forums have complained about them becoming very anti-social and even damaging other fish!!! They also stop algae-eating as they mature.

Anyone had such experience....any positive?
What should I do once they do get aggressive?

 

[guppy_man]

They are great little algae eaters when they are young, but as they mature they prefer fish food, and will stop cleaning up the algae. These can grow to a hefty size too, ive seen them grow to over 6inches. And yes they do attack fish, especially fish larger than them selves, because they try to suck on their slime coat, which cause the larger fish to be unprotected by diseases.

A bad decision in my eyes. I would take them back and wait unitl they get oto's in.

 

[eBenZo]

Hmmm the fish shop also said they stay small, unlike plecos.
Would they accept returned fish/refunds?

 

[Corleone]

They stay smaller than most plecos (a bit longer than bristlenose and other small plecs, though), but they aren't really small fish. They can reach almost a foot, but 6 inches is more typical in aquariums. Hopefully they'll accept a return if it's not long after the purchase - which is one reason why it's better to take them back now rather than wait until they become a problem, as at that point you'll probably only be able to sell them to the store for a lower price. If they won't take it back, tell them what your research turned up and that you feel misinformed by their advice. Might not help, but it'll feel good.

 

[sic0198]

You can't really put too much faith into advice you get from a LFS. They give a lot of bad advice maybe it's just them trying to make $$$ or maybe they are just misinformed.