Description
🐟 Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) (Crossocheilus oblongus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Crossocheilus oblongus
Family: Cyprinidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia)
Size: 5 – 6 inches (12 – 15 cm)
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Tank Zone: Mostly mid to bottom levels
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 150 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 24 – 27°C (75 – 81°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Famous for being one of the best algae eaters, especially black beard algae (BBA).
Slender body with a distinct black horizontal stripe running from head to tail.
Active, peaceful, and social – loves planted aquariums.
Fast swimmers, often seen grazing on surfaces for algae.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous (algae-focused).
Diet: Algae (especially BBA), algae wafers, spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and occasional protein foods like bloodworms.
Feeding: Daily; don’t overfeed, or they may lose interest in algae.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (larger if in groups).
Filtration: Moderate to strong (they prefer well-oxygenated water).
Decor: Plants, rocks, driftwood, and open swimming space.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best in groups of 4–6 (kept singly, they may become shy).
Tank Mates: Tetras, Rasboras, Gouramis, Corydoras, Guppies, peaceful Barbs.
Avoid: Very aggressive cichlids or slow long-finned fish (may nip fins if hungry).
✅ Do’s
Keep them in planted tanks – they help control algae naturally.
Maintain a group for natural, active behavior.
Provide some sinking foods to balance their diet.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t confuse with Flying Fox fish (similar but less effective algae eaters).
Don’t keep them in tiny tanks – they are active swimmers.
Don’t rely only on algae – supplement with proper food.
⭐ Quick Tips
Siamese Algae Eaters are one of the best natural algae cleaners.
Peaceful, hardy, and long-living, they make a great addition to community tanks.
Ideal for aquascapers who want a clean, healthy planted aquarium.
