American Flag Fish (aka Florida Flag Fish)

Question
I have a 29 gallon tank with a about 10 fish, some tetras a small pleco and a few Danios, I now noticed that I have been getting Hairy Algae in the tank now, it is beginning to take over my Java moss as well as the other plants in there. I have been told that American Flag Fish do a great job of cleaning out that type of algae and some other kinds for that matter. I would like to know if they are aggressive to certain types of fish, and I haven't been able to find them around where I live (Washington D.C. Area). would you know of a place I should be able to find them, or are they only available in certain parts of the country? Thank you for your incite.

Answer
Hi Kevin;

"Jordanella floridae" have been known to get a bit nippy but I have never kept them myself. They enjoy hair, beard and brush algae from what I have read. They are native to the USA but there may be certain states where they are not available. You would have to check with your local stores about that. They can check with their wholesalers if they don't know. Owner-operated stores would be your best bet. Chain stores just don't always have people with that much knowledge about what's available to them, nor the flexibility to order or inquire about certain fish. You may have to order some online but it would be best to wait until springtime when the risk of shipping live animals is better.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins