Siamese algae eater
Crossocheilus oblongus · Cyprinidae
Also known as SAE, Crossocheilus
Beginner
One of the few fish that eats black beard algae; grows to 14 cm and gets bossy with age.
In short: A Siamese algae eater needs at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 23–28 °C (73–82 °F) and pH 6.5–8. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Adult size
- 14 cm (5.5 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 L (40 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 4–20 dGH
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — algae, wafers, pellets, vegetable matter.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Mainland Southeast Asia
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Fast, rocky forest streams
- Natural conditions
- Warm, flowing, well-oxygenated water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- BarbsRainbowfishLarger tetrasBristlenose pleco
- Avoid
- BettaSlow long-finned fishShrimp colonies
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Almost impossible outside spawning condition.
- Notes
- Commercially bred with hormones; home spawning is not practical.
- Common ailments
- Aggression as it maturesJumping from open tanks
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