COMMON NAME:
Algae Eater or
Chinese Catfish, even though they are not members of the Catfish Family.
LATIN NAME:
Gyrinocheilos aymonieri
pH:
7.3
WATER TEMP:
74-80 deg. F.
AVG. MAX. SIZE:
6"/13cm.
BREEDING:
Egg-layers
FEEDING:
Algae,Vegetables,Flake,Tablets.
NOTE:
Their ability to keep tanks clean lessen with age, replace after 3 or 4 years.
LIGHTING:
Bright, but not direct sunlight.
TEMPERAMENT:
Peaceful, very good community fish. Loves rocks and vegetation.
COMMENTS:
A must have in any aquarium. Very active swimmer. Kids just love watching thier antics. Can grow upwards of 6" in length. Very inexpensive Fish.
Today 4-23-98 I found a Gold Chinesse Algae Eater at my local Fish Store, no telltale lines or other body markings just an great coppery-gold color. It was a little more money ($3.50) but I just had to pick up one. He makes a nice colorful addition to one of my smaller tanks.
There is another fish out there called a Siamese Flying Fox ( Epalzeorhynchus siamensis ) with looks and actions very similar to the peaceful Chinese Catfish/Algae eater. At maturity this fish can become very territorial and agressive. Another good reason to change these fish out every 3 years. If this fish does start attacking or attaching itself to fish, get rid of it and buy a new one. It's only a dollar or so and much cheaper than having to replace a much more expensive fish in your tank.
Chinese Algae Eaters
Above is a Siamese Flying Fox
Some images courtesy of 
All the above are Chinese Cat Fishes/Algae Eaters
