Young specimens are more colorful. There are some dark patches at the back and small brown spots at the tail. All the other fins are transparent or slightly brownish. Females are larger and fuller, adult males might show spawning tubercles on the head. It moves along all the surfaces of the tank scraping green algae with its suckermouth.
Older specimens prefer artificial foods and are rather aggressive.
Water should be well oxygenated, as it comes from streams. It eats all kinds of foods, but must get enough algae or plant food. It has not been bred in captivity. Young Chinese Algae Eaters can be kept in community, but adult specimens can be aggressive to other fish. Tropical Aquarium Fishes.