Albino Chinese Algae Eater Care Guide

The Albino Chinese Algae Eater is a popular freshwater fish known for its pale, creamy-white body with subtle pinkish or yellowish hues and bright red eyes. This peaceful species is valued for its algae-eating habits and active behavior, making it a useful and attractive addition to community aquariums.

Origin
Native to rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, particularly China, the Albino Chinese Algae Eater is a color morph of the Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are captive-bred.

Appearance
Albino Chinese Algae Eaters have a slender, torpedo-shaped body with smooth scales and a characteristic sucker mouth used for grazing algae. Their albino coloration lacks the dark stripes found in wild types, giving them a striking pale appearance.

Behavior
These fish are generally peaceful but can become territorial or aggressive toward their own kind or similar species, especially as they mature. They are active swimmers and spend much time grazing on algae-covered surfaces.

Tank Setup

* Minimum tank size: 30 gallons due to their active nature and potential adult size.
* Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and plants.
* Use smooth substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and mouth.
* Ensure good water flow and filtration to simulate their natural habitats.

Water Parameters

* Temperature: 72–79°F
* pH: 6.5–7.5
* Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Diet
Although they primarily feed on algae, Albino Chinese Algae Eaters will accept sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp to supplement their diet.

Tank Mates
They can be housed with peaceful community fish but avoid keeping more than one in small tanks to prevent aggression. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, and danios.

Care Tips

* Maintain clean, well-oxygenated water with regular changes.
* Monitor for signs of aggression and separate if necessary.
* Provide a varied diet to ensure balanced nutrition.

Conclusion
The Albino Chinese Algae Eater is an attractive, useful fish for controlling algae in community tanks. With proper care and environment, it can be a lively and beneficial addition to your aquarium.

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