Algae eaters.
Lisa, Besides what has already been recommended, I see no reason why a Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) could not be included in this group. While peaceful, and compatible with Swordtails, they do get to 6″ though and would require a larger tank (I don’t know where you’re drawing the line at “small species”). I mention them primarily as besides being compatible with most other species, they are excellent consumers of a variety of different algaes. If your LFS allows trade ins, you could always take them up on this courtesy if/when your SAE gets too large, and swap it for a smaller specimen, especially if you have algaes that are otherwise proving to be troublesome.
Being a Cyprinid however, and therefore being related to the Red Tail Shark, there may be some territorial aggression if you include it with this species. Care must be taken too, to not mistakenly get a Chinese Algae Eater, or the “False Siamese Algae Eater,” both looking somewhat similar. Ray
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
