Chinese algae eater

Eats algae when young, then grows large and territorial. Adults latch onto flat-sided fish and rasp at their slime coat.

Care at a glance

Minimum tank	55 gallons (208 L)
Temperature	72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH	6.0–8.0
How many	Fine on its own
Adult size	10 in (25.4 cm)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive and territorial
Where it lives	The bottom
Type	Fish

It grazes algae and biofilm. Once the tank is clean, add algae wafers or blanched vegetables.
It claims a territory on the bottom. Give it a cave of its own.

Open any pairing to see the reason.