L number algae eater

[Tom]

What is a good algae eater for a 75? Ideally a fish that is 8" or less and something a little more exotic than the common Ancistrus.

Thanks,
Tom

[Patr1ck]

Ancistrini sp(l082)

Patrick

[Mod edit: Use persistent link --Mats]

[MatsP]

Why does it have to be an L-number? The reason L-numbers exist is to distinguish fish that doesn't match known scientifically described fish. There are MANY nice fish that doesn't have an L-number.

Most Ancistrus L-numbers would be good algae eaters, and should not grow too large. Unfortunately, nearly all Ancistrus are "boring" in the sense that they are usually brown/black with lighter spots. Some have nearly no spots, some have brighter spots, others not so much difference between spot and body colour (and nearly all go less contrasty with age).

There are other L-numbers that would be reasonable algae eaters, and some of those would also match the size criteria.

As a general rule, however, the more brightly coloured fish are carnivores - whether they are L-numbers or not.

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Mats

[RickE]

How about L201

Hypancistrus sp(l201)

? Mine eat shed-loads of green stuff.

[Flyfisher]

That L201 is a good looking algae eater! I'm watching this thread now too
cheers guys.

[Shane]

The reason L-numbers exist is to distinguish fish that doesn't match known scientifically described fish.

A more jaded mind might call it a marketing gimmick or even hubris on the part of aquarists.
-Shane

[MatsP]

I would not expect L201 to eat much algae at all - it is a Hypancistrus, which should be primarily carnivorous. If it does eat some algae, that's good, but it may also indicate that it's not getting enough other food.

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Mats