organism
Otocinclus vs Chinese algae eater
Both are sold as algae eaters for community tanks. Which one actually is?
Short answer
The otocinclus, and it is not close. It stays at 4 cm, eats algae for life and is safe with shrimp. The Chinese algae eater reaches 25 cm, becomes territorial and starts rasping the flanks of its tankmates.
Side by side
| Dimension | Otocinclus | Chinese algae eater | Favours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 3.5–5 cm | 20–28 cm | Otocinclus |
| Eats algae as an adult | Yes | Largely stops | Otocinclus |
| Temperament as an adult | Peaceful | Territorial and aggressive | Otocinclus |
| Rasps other fish | No | Yes | Otocinclus |
| Safe with shrimp | Completely | No | Otocinclus |
| Minimum tank | 60 L | 250 L | Otocinclus |
| Needs a mature tank to survive | Yes — starves in a clean new tank | No | Chinese algae eater |
| Needs a group | Yes, six or more | No | Neither |
Which to choose
Otocinclus
Choose otocinclus for a mature planted community tank, in a group of six or more.
Chinese algae eater
AquariumHQ does not recommend the Chinese algae eater for community tanks at any size.
One caveat
Otocinclus will starve in a tank under a few months old. If there is no visible algae, there is nothing for it to eat and it must be fed directly.