Siamese Algae Eater

Overview

• Scientific Name: Crossocheilus oblongus
• Common Names: Siamese Algae Eater, SAE, or Siamese Algae Eater Fish
• Family: Cyprinidae
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Siamese Algae Eaters have a slender, elongated body that is generally light brown or tan with a distinctive dark horizontal stripe running from the snout through the eye to the base of the tail. The coloration can vary slightly depending on the individual and their environment.
• Size: They typically grow to about 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm) in captivity, although some can reach up to 7 inches (18 cm).
• Body Shape: Their body is streamlined and slightly flattened on the sides, which makes them agile swimmers.

Behavior

• Temperament: Siamese Algae Eaters are generally peaceful and social fish, making them suitable for community tanks. They thrive in groups, so it's best to keep them in groups of at least 3 to 5 individuals.
• Activity Level: They are active swimmers and tend to spend most of their time foraging for algae and exploring their environment.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Siamese Algae Eaters inhabit freshwater rivers and streams with moderate water flow, often found in areas with abundant aquatic plants and algae.
• Aquarium Setup: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, with a well-planted aquarium and plenty of hiding spots created from rocks and driftwood. They prefer a sandy or fine substrate that allows them to forage for food.

Diet

• Feeding: While they are known for their algae-eating capabilities, Siamese Algae Eaters are omnivorous and require a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality flake or pellet food
  • Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
  • Vegetables like blanched zucchini, cucumber, or spinach
  • They will graze on algae, but additional food sources are essential for their health.
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice daily, ensuring a balanced diet to maintain their health and vigor.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Breeding Siamese Algae Eaters in captivity is rare, and not much is documented about their breeding habits. They are believed to be egg scatterers.
• Fry Care: If breeding occurs, fry will require special care, but successful breeding is uncommon in home aquariums.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks being better for groups.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: A good filtration system is essential to maintain water quality. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are also important.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Siamese Algae Eaters can coexist with a variety of peaceful fish, including:
  • Tetras
  • Barbs
  • Gouramis
  • Other community fish
• Behavior with Others: They may exhibit some territorial behavior as they mature, especially if kept in smaller tanks or with similar species. However, they generally do well in community settings.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Siamese Algae Eaters can live for 5 to 10 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Siamese Algae Eaters are often confused with the similarly named "Flying Fox" (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum), but the latter has a more pronounced coloration and different behavioral traits.
• They are known to be excellent algae eaters, making them a valuable addition to aquariums with algae issues.