Swordtails too rough on plants?

Larry Grenier · Post by **Larry Grenier** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 1:50 pm

I was reading that having a few in a tank is good to keep some types of algae at bay. Are they too rough on plants? Do you believe the females are better algae eaters than males? I have a few SAE's and several ammano shrimp in the tank also.<edited><editID>Larry Grenier</editID><editDate>38323.5357175926</editDate></edited>

Post by **krisw** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 2:04 pm

Hi Larry,

Swordtails/platties will feed on some forms of algae, but I've only really seen them eat it if you stop feeding them. Otherwise, they tend to prefer fish food. I've never had a problem with them harming any plants. I don't know if there's much of difference between the males and females in terms of algae consumption, but if want them purely as algae crew, you'd definitely want to stick to one sex or the other. Otherwise, in a planted tank with lots of hiding spaces for the fry, you'll soon have more swordtails than you want.

As an aside, many people use Otto's as the member of their algae crew.

-Kris

Larry Grenier · Post by **Larry Grenier** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:55 pm

I can't explain why and I'm ashamed to say that Ottos don't last too long in this tank. I keep the temp around 82F, maybe that's why??? The ammano shrimp are lovin it and have doubled in size and I keep finding egg-layden ones.

Post by **krisw** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:16 pm

You're not alone with Ottos. I've read a number of posts online about how they seem to be super-sensitive or quite hardy. I added a fair number to my 75 gallon awhile ago, and in a short period of time, I lost about half. The remainder are still happily going about their business. Some people say that they often starve to death if there's not a lot of algae, but I didn't seem to have a lack of algae when they were dying off. If anyone has any secrets to introducing Ottos, do tell.

Jamie G · Post by **Jamie G** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:39 pm

I just dumped mine in .. havent lost any yet.
then again .. theyve got plenty of algae to eat
as soon as i learn to post pics i will show you all my headache.

Larry Grenier · Post by **Larry Grenier** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:46 pm

I'm not short on algae either, although alot less than a few months ago.

gnatster · Post by **gnatster** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:19 pm

I've found the secret to otos is to buy them after they have been in the shop for a several weeks. For some reason they don't shgip well and most shops will experience high mortality within the first week. Those that make it past week two seem to last for quite a while once home.

RTRJR · Post by **RTRJR** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:57 am

gnatster is correct. As with all the Loricariids (and most other fish), they are gathered and fasted prior to shipment. If this is too long, starvation is a big issue. Beyond some point, even if they do eat they seem unable to digest or benefit from food (Gut flora loss? They do not all have cellulose-digerting bacteria, so it should not be just that). Let the store take the initial risk and losses. Then observe the fish before you accept them - tell the catcher up front that any fish without a slightly rounded belly is unacceptable (after a week at the LFS, the doomed fish are likely already gone).<edited><editID>RTRJR</editID><editDate>38324.4573958333</editDate></edited>

Post by **krisw** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:06 pm

Thanks for the advice guys!

Cory · Post by **Cory** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:40 pm

I feed my catfish spinach, kale, cucumbers, zucchini, grapes, apples, or any other extra fruit/veggie i have around. Seems to help in weight gain, possibly too much so.

Swordtails too rough on plants?

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