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Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)
Photo: User:Ark pl wiki · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
150 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
Adult size
14 cm
Group size
1+
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Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
150 L
Temperature
23–28 °C
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
Barbs
Rainbowfish
Larger tetras
Bristlenose pleco
Avoid
Betta
Slow long-finned fish
Shrimp 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 matures
Jumping from open tanks

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