My Chinese algae eater doesn't eat anything?

Question

He won't eat algae on the tank, algae tablets, or even food dropped to the bottom. What is wrong? Anything? He doesn't swim around that much either, other than if another fish touches him. I got him 2 days ago. Could it be stress?

Any ideas would be great!

Thanks

Answer 1

They only come out at night and are not really good as tank cleaners.  You won't notice much difference in algae level and depending on the type of fish you have it with the CAE maty decide that their slime coat would make a tastey snack.  Not my choice of a fish for any tank.

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Answer 2

Nothing is wrong, you just bought a fish that you thought would clean your tank for you.  Chinese Algae Eaters, despite their name, are TERRIBLE algae eaters, much prefering an easy prepared meal or even sucking on fish's slime coats, leaving them extremely open for infection.  I would strongly suggest you simply get rid of him and try a Bristlenose Pleco or some Otos instead.

Answer 3

How long has your tank been set up? Have you tested the water for ammonia and nitrites? If it is a new tank, the fish is going to be under considerable stress as your tank goes through the cycle.

One way to see if it is your water, is to do a 50% water change. That should reduce the stress on the fish if it is due to poor water quality.

Also, as was mentioned before, chinese algae eaters tend to go after other fish as they get olded. Depending on the size of your tank you should consider a different bottom feeder, like otos or cory cats.

Answer 4

they are nocturnal so pu the algae wafers in before u turn the lights out

plecks and ottos are tropical so dont put them into a coldwater tank

also the algae eaters are cold water fish and u have a tropical tank thas the problem cos the temperature is too high

Answer 5

algae eaters are most active at night when lights are out