African Algae Eaters

[Whiplash4ever]

I'm trying to go with continent specific tanks. I have two South American tanks (210 and a 55) and one African (29). I currently have a bristle nose pleco in there, but I would like to move him out and get something from africa. I did find a genus Chiloglanis that might hold some promise. I don't think it's entirely common. They are a suckermouth catfish from Africa though. Does anyone have any clue on how hard it would be to get one of these guys? Does anyone know of a more common species if this group is not sold to the general public?

[MatsP]

You wouldn't be wrong on the fact that they are quite rare. They do turn up from time to time, but not with any regularity.

I thnk there are some Garra (non-catfish) species that would be viable too in an African tank - although apparently the Garra sp. you can (when at all) find in the shop are more likely to be Asian than African, they are so similar only the REAL experts (and you) can tell the difference by looking at them.

--
Mats

[Silurus]

Chiloglanis are more likely to eat invertebrates than they do algae (although the ones I have kept did graze on algae when left unfed). Contact Toyin Ojo of Rehoboth Aquatics if you're interested in getting some. He brings them in from time to time.

[Shane]

Heok Hee is correct. I scrub algae out of my Chiloglanis tanks.
-Shane

[Whiplash4ever]

Heok Hee is correct. I scrub algae out of my Chiloglanis tanks.
-Shane

Can you think of a better alternative?

[Richard B]

Chiloglanis are not algae eaters (IME)

The Garra that MatsP mentioned are your best bet but you'll need to confirm it's an African species

[Tom]

If I remember correctly, Synodontis pleurops eat algae. Problem is they get pretty large for a 29 gal., although they are very peaceful.