Description

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🐟 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.