The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a popular fish to keep in the home aquarium. These peaceful fish are not only beautiful, but they are also very good at keeping algae free in your tank! Besides their practical benefits, they can be quite entertaining to watch.
Siamese algae eaters usually live in small groups and often swim together around plants and decorations on the bottom of the tank. When startled by movement outside the aquarium, they may school together as if trying to hide in numbers or seek safety. They are very active and fun-loving species, adding an interesting dynamic element as you observe them going about their daily activities!
Unfortunately, these fish are often confused withChinese algeneter (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). Both fish have a similar body shape, but the patterns on the Siamese Algae Eater are sharp which makes them more beautiful.
In this guide you will get the correct information about Siamese algae eaters and the correct care of these species.
Table of contents
- Appearance
- Adult size
- Lifespan
- Siamese Algae Eater Care
- Tank mate
- What to do in a Siamese algae eater tank
- lights icy
- Filtration system
- Common diseases and prevention
- Diet and nutritional requirements
- Siamese algae eaters kweken
- Tank mates
- Conclusion
Species profile and overview
The Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. More specifically, they are native to the Malay Peninsula, Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers.
In the wild, they prefer rivers that are slow to moderately slow and have lots of greenery. This has led them to develop a craving for algae and other plant matter in their diet. These fish are also known for eating black beard algae which not many fish can eat.
They are very peaceful species and will not harm other fish in the aquarium. But they are always on the move, whether it be to find food or to chase the other inhabitants of the aquarium.
Because of their ability to eat large amounts of algae without harming living plants, these fish have become popular among aquatic enthusiasts. Therefore, they are the best option for people who are constantly battling algae growth in their aquarium. Especially with black beard algae!
In addition, compared to many other tropical fish species, these fish are surprisingly hardy and low maintenance. This is why they are so common species to own among novice fish keepers.
Appearance
The Siamese Algae Eater is one of the most beautiful species of algae eating fish native to Southeast Asia. Their cylinder bodies almost resemble other types of algae-eating fish that live in that area, but the sharp black line on the sides of their bodies distinguishes them from each other.
Their body has slender cylindrical shapes, with large eyes and fins that are in scale with their length. Its yellowish skin is painted with a sharp black stripe that makes the fish stand out. The fins are usually transparent and have no colors, but in some cases the fins have an orangish tint.
Aside from the beautiful black line they have, the most distinctive aspect of their appearance is undoubtedly their mouths. The Siamese algae eater, like its South American pleco relatives, has a downturned mouth with which it clings to surfaces.
Siamese algae eaters are generally wonderful additions to any tank, especially one with an algae problem. They will not grow excessively large, so they are ideal for tanks with limited space.
Adult size
Siamese Algae Eater usually grows to about 6 inches (15 cm) in length. If you plan to keep this fish, you will need an aquarium that can hold enough water.
The growth rate of the Siamese algae eater varies depending on diet, water quality and other environmental factors. In general, they can reach their full size in 1-2 years if cared for properly.
It is important to provide them with sufficient vegetation, such as algae wafers or blanched vegetables, which are essential for their health and growth rate.
Lifespan
The Siamese Algae Eater typically has a lifespan of 5 to 10 years when kept in optimal conditions. Factors such as water quality, tank size, diet and handling can all affect the lifespan of this species.
Poor water quality will shorten life expectancy, while good quality water with regular maintenance can help you live longer. In addition, the tank size should be large enough to allow these active swimmers to move freely.
Overcrowding or insufficient space can lead to stress and health problems that ultimately shorten their lifespan. A balanced diet consisting of both plant material and animal protein is essential for its growth and survival.
Finally, proper handling techniques should be followed when netting or transferring from one aquarium system to another to avoid injury or shock that could potentially cause premature death.
Behavior & Temperament
Siamese algae eaters are very active and energetic fish that like to swim around the aquarium. They will usually spend most of their time grazing on algae, but they may also show aggression towards other fish in the tank.
That's why it's important to consider a good tank setup so they can stay calm at all times. To create a suitable environment for Siamese Algae Eaters, we highly recommend the "Care" section of this guide.
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Siamese algae eaters are active and decidedly social creatures. Usually they spend their time on tank bottoms and on other objects. They will also swim around non-stop in search of food. This makes them very fun fish to own.
While these fish are not typically aggressive, be aware that their constant movement can be stressful for their tankmates. This can be solved by providing sufficient hiding places for the fish.
Siamese algae eaters are technically schooling species and prefer to live in a group. But it can be challenging to keep several Siamese together in a small space such as an aquarium. These fish can exhibit territorial behavior when several males are present in the aquarium. To keep a group of them, you need a large aquarium that can fit a number of these fish.
Siamese Algae Eater Care
There is not much maintenance involved in keeping a Siamese Algae Eater as a pet. And that's why they are a fantastic addition to any home aquarium, as they help maintain a healthy environment by eating algae.
They are also extremely resilient and adaptable and can thrive in a wide variety of aquatic environments. Yet it is crucial to furnish the room with numerous concealing elements and ornaments. which we will get into in more detail shortly in this guide.
Tank mate
The minimum tank size for a Siamese Algae Eater fish is 30 gallons. It's best to keep just one of these fish in a 30-gallon aquarium. These fish grow a bit fast and more than one of them cannot live in such a small aquarium.
As we mentioned earlier, these fish prefer to swim in a school, so if you have a larger aquarium, we definitely recommend getting a few. The number of fish you want to keep will depend on the size of your tank, but generally add an additional Siamese for every 20-30 gallons your tank can hold.
This is because these fish are quite active and bottom dwellers, so they need a lot of bottom space. In a large aquarium they can live peacefully without having to fight for their space.
What to do in a Siamese algae eater tank
When aquascaping for the Siamese Algae Eater, it is important to make an effort to replicate conditions as close as possible to those in their native habitat. This uses natural features such as rocks, driftwood and plants to build a concealing lid.
There should be plenty of open swimming space in the aquarium, as well as open bottom space, so that the fish can remain active and healthy. Plants and other natural decor are ideal for an aquascape that houses Siamese algae eaters.
Plantsare important for providing oxygen, shade and food for the fish, as well as adding visual interest to the tank. Adding some brightly colored gravel or sand will complete the look of your aquascape and also make it easier to clean up the mess of these active little creatures!
Try to keep everything natural as these decorations can help create a more realistic and natural looking aquarium. Natural decorations can also have beneficial effects on water quality.
Some live plants that are compatible with Siamese Algae Eater fish includeBuce plants,Anubias,Java sailing, InVallisneria. For these plants to thrive in the aquarium, make sure they are adequately lit and fertilized regularly.
Even though these fish are great algae eaters, you will still have to put in some work if algae is the only reason you want these fish. To stop algae growth, it is best to remove dead leaves or stems if necessary and let these fish eat the rest. Although these fish consume algae, they cannot eradicate algae on their own.
lights icy
Siamese Algae Eater is a freshwater fish species native to Southeast Asia, meaning similar lighting is necessary. To keep these fish looking their best, they need the light that provides a natural day/night cycle of 10-12 hours of light per day.
This mimics the natural environment in which this species evolved and helps them show off their beautiful colors and patterns.
High quality lighting also helps plants grow by providing the necessary wavelengths for photosynthesis, increasing the growth rate, color intensity and overall health of aquatic plants in an aquarium.
When buying a lamp, consider the intensity of the light and the spectrum. LEDs are great because they produce less heat than regular bulbs. But you still need to make sure that the type of light you choose has a good intensity that will help your aquatic plants grow.
Water conditions and parameters
Siamese Algae Eaters are resilient species that are quite versatile. They can survive in a variety of water conditions, but it is critical to match the water conditions in the aquarium as closely as possible to those in their native environment.
This gives them the best chance to thrive in your aquarium environment. This reduces their exposure to health risks associated with being in an inappropriate environment and reduces stress.
Plus, for maximum health, they need plenty of oxygen in the water, so make sure your tank is well aerated. While it is crucial to match the aquarium water to the water in the habitats of the animals, we must emphasize that maintaining a stable aquarium is much more important.
Given these points, here are the ideal set of parameters for the Siamese Algae Eater:
- Temperature: 74 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH: 5,8 – 8,0
- TDS: 50 – 200 PPM
Weekly water changes are necessary to maintain the health of the tank and the safety of its inhabitants. Depending on the size and supply of your tank, you should replace between 10 and 20 percent of the water there each week.
Filtration system
Having a reliable filtration system is essential to the health of your Siamese Algae Eater. A high-quality filter can help remove food debris, garbage, or other organic debris from the water.
This helps keep nitrate levels low and oxygen levels high, both of which are essential for fish health. Plus, it reduces ammonia buildup, which can be harmful to fish.
It is vital to consider the flow rate, media type and maintenance needs of the filter before making a final decision on an aquarium filter. To adequately filter your tank, the flow rate must match the size of your tank.
Last but not least, choose a filter that doesn't require a lot of maintenance so you don't have to waste time and money replacing parts or cleaning them regularly.
Taking all these factors into consideration, we recommend purchasing a filter canister for your Siamese Algae Eaters. These filters can be used with minimal effort and produce excellent results. They do an excellent job of digesting waste products such as ammonia and keeping the tank tidy.
Common diseases and prevention
There are a number of diseases that can affect Siamese Algae Eater fish in an aquarium. One of the most common is Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich), a single-celled parasite that can cause white spots on the fish's body.
Bacterial infections, fungal infections and parasite infestations are also major causes of illness. Stress from tank overcrowding or substandard water quality are two possible causes of these diseases.
When left untreated, these conditions can lead to loss of appetite, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, skin ulcers, discoloration, fin rot, and even death from a secondary bacterial infection.
A major cause of fish disease is poor water quality. Internal and external disorders can be caused by high concentrations of ammonia and other contaminants. Keep aquarium water clean and healthy to prevent the spread of disease.
You can prevent the disease from spreading in your tank by quarantining new fish in advance and keeping the tank clean at all times. Diseases can be introduced to your tank by new fish, but bad water can cause an outbreak.
Diet and nutritional requirements
The Siamese algae eaters are omnivores. The majority of their diet consists of algae and other plant matter, but as they age, they will also crave protein-rich foods.
Algae, small crustaceans and insect larvae make up the bulk of their diet when foraging in the wild. They graze on plants and other surfaces for algae or search through the substrate of the water body they are in to obtain food.
In captivity, they require a varied diet, including high-quality flake foods, algae wafers, freeze-dried bloodworms, and live or frozen brine shrimp. Overfeeding can cause them to stop consuming algae, so try to feed them once a day.
Siamese algae eaters kweken
Breeding Siamese Algae Eaters is possible, but it is a difficult task that should only be performed by experienced fish breeders. These creatures can grow quite large and must be kept in groups to breed successfully, making it a complicated process.
In captivity, it can be difficult to replicate the water conditions and simulations needed to trigger breeding behavior in certain species. Recreating the natural events that take place in their wild habitats is no easy task that inexperienced breeders can create!
At the same time, these fish are sold in pet stores at a very affordable price, which makes breeding them unprofitable. This low price has discouraged many breeders from attempting to breed these fish, resulting in limited information available on the specifics of captive breeding of these fish.
Tank mates
Siamese algae eaters are peaceful, community-friendly fish that prefer to hang out at the bottom of the tank. However, the vast majority of bottom dwellers are somewhat territorial in nature and need the bottom of the tank to be free.
Furthermore, these fish are not picky about the water column fish you want to add. A wide variety of freshwater creatures enjoy their company because of their calm demeanor.
Given these, here are our top picks of tank mates for Siamese algae eater:
- Platy Vis
- Zebra Danio
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Cardinal Tetra
- Mollie Vis
- Human Tetra
- rainbowfish
Conclusion
The Siamese algae eater is a popular freshwater fish due to its unique color and hardiness. It is also an excellent choice for controlling algae growth in aquariums as it actively grazes on most types of soft algae. In addition, this fish can coexist peacefully with other species as long as they are not overly aggressive or territorial. As such, the Siamese Algae Eater is an ideal option for any aquarist looking to add some life and beauty to their tank while keeping their environment clean and healthy.
References & useful links:
FAQs
How many Siamese Algae Eaters should you keep together? ›
These fish can be somewhat territorial in nature towards their own kind, and it is best to keep a single Siamese or keep 5 or more in a group. This replicates their normal situation in the wild and will prevent a single fish from “claiming” an area of the tank.
Can I have 1 Siamese algae eater? ›The Siamese Algae Eater is a schooling fish as a juvenile, but can become more territorial with its own kind and similar-looking species as it matures. It must be kept in groups of at least 6 fish to avoid harrassment of subdominant specimens, or else it should be kept singly.
What pH level do Siamese Algae Eaters like? ›Siamese Algae Eaters can grow up to about 6 inches (16cm) and hence require a tank of at least 30 gallons for better results. Water temperature should be between 75°F and 79°F and a pH range of between 6.5 and 7.0.
Will Siamese Algae Eaters eat hair algae? ›Siamese Algae Eater
Their downturned mouths are well-suited for eating hair algae, black beard algae, and leftover scraps in the fish tank.
If you are dealing with a specific type of algae, your best bet is to choose an algae eater that will feed on that type of algae. For tanks with more large-scale algae problems, it may help to add two or three different types of algae eater to your tank (as long as they're able to live with each other).
Can there be too much algae in fish tank? ›Some algae growth is normal and healthy, but excess algae growth is unsightly and can be hazardous to fish and plants. Algae may appear as a brownish, greenish, or reddish fuzz or film that creeps up on tank glass, the gravel or substrate, accessories, and plants inside the aquarium.
Will Siamese algae eater eat small fish? ›Bristlenose plecos and Siamese Algae Eaters are also unlikely to harm other fish, but their fairly large size means that predation of smaller fish can't be ruled out entirely.
How long do Siamese Algae Eaters live for? ›Siamese algae-eaters can grow up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) within two years, and live for over 10 years in optimal conditions. They are valued in the aquarium trade for being the only known fish species to consume red algae, including 'black brush' or 'beard' algae.
Will Siamese algae eater jump? ›Water conditions: pH between 6.5 to 7 is ideal for Siamese Algae Eaters. However, they can tolerate up to 8 as well. Talking about water hardness, 5 to 20 dH is suitable. Since Siamese Algae Eaters are active swimmers and move very fast, they also have the tendency to jump.
Do Siamese algae eaters like to hide? ›HABITAT: The Siamese algae eater is a type of fish that can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Southeast Asia. They are bottom dwellers and prefer to spend their time near plants or other hiding places on the ground where they feel comfortable and safe.
Why is my Siamese Algae Eater swimming up and down? ›
Fish exhibit many behaviors that tell us how they are feeling, and glass surfing (also known as pacing) is one of them. This is when fish constantly swim up and down the sides of the aquarium glass. One reason they do this is stress. It could mean they aren't happy in their environment, for one reason or another.
Do Siamese algae eaters eat black algae? ›Arguably, the best fish for the job is the Siamese Algae Eater. They are known for eating black algae as well as other types of algae. The only concern you may have for these fish is that they get a bit large when they're older, potentially up to 6 inches.
Will Siamese Algae Eaters eat shrimp? ›Siamese algae eaters are generally peaceful fish and will get along fine with your guppies. It will not get along with the shrimp however and could eat them.
What fish cleans the tank? ›Suckermouthed catfish like Common and Sailfin Plecos, Bristlenose and Otocinclus all graze algae and will “clean” the tank of it, but they do also need food in their own right if they are to grow, stay healthy and thrive.
What happens if you put too much algae remover in a fish tank? ›Remember that overuse of algaecide can cause future outbreaks of algae — worse than the original problem and it can damage plants and fish. If it is necessary to get control of algae, follow all directions to the letter and make sure to get the pond into balance after its use.
Can algae eaters be in a tank with sand? ›Tank Set-Up For Chinese Algae Eaters
Sand and gravel are both appropriate. You can also use rounded stones if you like.
Feeding Guide
Feed twice a day. To accommodate the slower feeding habits of most algae eaters, feed the amount of food your fish will consume within two hours.
Algae bloom – Algae growth is one of the most common problems seen in aquariums. The number one cause is overfeeding. Unsightly blue-green and red algae multiply when there are large quantities of dissolved organic material, nitrates and phosphates in the water. Which is common when fish are overfed.
What color light stops algae growth? ›On the contrary, blue and red will let the light through to be photosynthesised; green will inhibit growth the best as the algae will reflect that light back instead of absorbing it.
How big do Siamese algae eater fish get? ›Siamese algae eaters are a popular choice for fish tanks, largely due to their effectiveness in eating red algae. They typically reach about 15 centimetres (6 inches) in length after two years and can live up to 10 years with proper care.
Do Siamese algae eaters change color? ›
My two SAE only really lose the stripe and fade when they're bickering with each other, being the same size, usually around feeding time. I wouldn't worry about it unless they stop eating or show any other symptoms or something out of the ordinary. They look pretty shabby when faded!
What do Siamese algae eaters need? ›Siamese algae eater can live at a wide range of water parameters, but it prefers neutral or a bit acidic water. Recommend water temperature is between 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), acidity – pH 6.5-8.0, and a water hardness of 5–20 dH. The fish prefers well-circulating water reach with oxygen.
Can Siamese algae eaters live in cold water? ›Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)
The Siamese Algae Eater is an extremely popular choice when it comes to selecting cleanup crew members for a cold water tank. These attractive fish are peaceful and relatively easy to look after, making them ideal community fish for a beginner's tank.
Siamese algae eaters are not sensitive to the level of hardness in the water; they adjust well to a wide range of hardness levels. However, there is one condition. The parameters must be consistent. They prefer water pH within the range of 6.5 and 8.0 but can tolerate acidic conditions of up to 6.0.
Is a Siamese Algae Eater the same as a flying fox? ›The Siamese algae-eater, also known as the Siamese flying fox or SAE, is, as the name suggests, a fantastic algae-eating addition to moderately sized mature aquaria.
Do Siamese algae eaters sleep? ›But this time, the photos revealed something even more amazing to me when I checked them out. Both the siamese algae eaters were sleeping next to each other, having converted adjacent branches into beds!
Can a Siamese algae eater live with a betta? ›Conclusion. Curbing algae growth in your Betta tank can be as simple as introducing an algae eater into the aquarium water. Specific snail species, shrimp, and bottom-dwellers love to eat algae and won't arouse your Betta fish's territorial instincts by venturing where they're not welcome.
Does algae hurt betta fish? ›It doesn't harm the fish or damage the aquarium water. Getting rid of algae can be seen as a purely aesthetic exercise. Some aquarists even let certain species of algae grow in their aquarium to give it a natural look.
Do algae eaters not like light? ›There are many different types of algae out there, but they all have the same basic requirements. First and foremost, algae need water in order to thrive. Next, algae need plenty of light.
Do Siamese algae eaters eat worms? ›Siamese algae eaters will also willingly eat live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex worms.
Do floating plants prevent algae? ›
Floating plants are some of the fastest growing water plants, which allows them to compete with algae for nutrients and reduce algae growth. These are super easy to add to your water garden as no planting is required since floating plants draw their nutrients directly from the water.
Why is my fish hitting the glass? ›“Glass surfing” is when a fish – such as betta fish, gouramis, and cichlids – repeatedly swims up and down along the tank walls. It could be caused by stress, boredom, defense of territory, and other reasons.
How much hydrogen peroxide do I put in my fish tank? ›Depending on the algae species, we recommend different dosages: In the case of blue-green algae: 8 to a maximum of 15 ml of the 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide per 50 liters of water. In the case of green algae: 25 to a maximum of 35 ml of the 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide per 50 liters of water.
How do you keep a Siamese algae eater? ›Siamese algae eaters thrive in a water temperature that should be above 75° F and below 80° F. In the wild, they are mostly fed on algae and keep themselves constantly in motion. This, as a result, makes them active fish that need a good-sized aquarium.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe for fish? ›Several species of fish are known to be sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, and the use of the chemical may be toxic to those species.
Can you keep 2 Siamese Algae Eaters together? ›Most species of algae eaters are social animals and should be kept in groups of five or more. This way, the fish have companions of their own species to interact with, so they don't become stressed. Some species of algae eater can be kept with other types of fish as long as they have the same water conditions.
Can you keep more than one Siamese fighting fish? ›Two male Siamese fighting fish will fight to protect territory and should never be placed in the same tank. Females will often be more peaceful together and with other peaceful fish species, however, they have the potential to be aggressive on occasion.
How many algae eaters can be in one tank? ›Add no more than 3 algae eaters at a time to make sure the filter can handle all the new action in the neighborhood. The chemical balance in your aquarium will change with every new fish you introduce, so check the tank's pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels regularly.
How many Chinese algae eaters should I have? ›It's generally recommended to keep only one Chinese Algae Eater in the tank as they are natural loners and can show aggression even to their own species.
How long do Siamese algae eaters live for? ›Siamese algae-eaters can grow up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) within two years, and live for over 10 years in optimal conditions. They are valued in the aquarium trade for being the only known fish species to consume red algae, including 'black brush' or 'beard' algae.
What happens if you put a male and female betta together? ›
Male and female Betta fish can't live together because they will fight to the death. Male Betta fish are aggressive and territorial towards other fish. They will attack any fish that comes near their territory, including female Betta fish.
Can 1 male and 2 female betta fish live together? ›Can Betta Fish Live Together? Male betta fish can't live together at all, but male and female bettas can live together in the same aquarium or tank for a short period of time, only during the breeding period. Other than that, it's not advised to keep both sexes together.
How many times a day do you feed a Siamese fighting fish? ›Proper food
Bettas should be fed 1-2 times a day in very small amounts. 2-3 high quality pellets or granules, supplemented with black worms, brine shrimp, frozen tubifex worms and daphnia. Ensure the food is broken into small enough pieces before feeding.
We would recommend one of the wafers every couple of days. You could even break it in half and feed one half per day, if you prefer. As to the other fish, feed once or twice a day, and 1 pieces of food (flake, pellets, whatever) per INCH of fish.
What is the difference between a flying fox and a Siamese algae eater? ›The flying fox eats mainly algae, but it will also eat vegetation and food flakes. The Siamese algae eater, as its name suggests, primarily eats algae. What makes the difference unique is that the SIamese algae eater also gets red algae and is the only fish in the world known to do so.
What is the difference between Siamese and Chinese algae eaters? ›The main differences between Chinese algae eaters and Siamese algae eaters are their looks, size, behavior and eating habits. Chinese algae eaters are larger and have no barbels, compared to siamese algae eaters. Also, the former is territorial and can become aggressive, while the latter is friendlier.
Do algae eaters need special food? ›Algae eaters (plecostomus) require ample amounts of vitamins and minerals in their diet in addition to algae and vegetable matter. Many of these vitamins and minerals are not present in algae grown in an aquarium.