Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) Care Guide
Crossocheilus siamensis is a slender cyprinid prized for eating hair and black brush algae, with a black stripe running into the tail.
Overview
The true Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) is a slender, bottom-oriented cyprinid recognised by a thin black lateral stripe that runs from the snout into the caudal fin. It is valued in planted aquaria for grazing on filamentous algae, including the black brush or beard algae that many other fishes ignore. The dark stripe can fade when the fish is stressed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cyprinidae
- Genus: Crossocheilus
- Scientific name: Crossocheilus siamensis
- Common synonyms: Crossocheilus oblongus, Epalzeorhynchos siamensis
Habitat
The species occurs in mainland Southeast Asia, including the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins and the Malay Peninsula. It lives in streams and rivers and moves into flooded forests during the rainy season, foraging over submerged surfaces.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8.0
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
Crossocheilus siamensis is an omnivore that readily consumes red and filamentous algae when young and becomes more omnivorous with age. It should not be relied on for algae control alone; a varied diet of sinking dried foods, vegetable matter and occasional protein is needed, especially once natural algae is reduced.
Compatibility
It is generally peaceful and occupies the lower water levels. Kept in a group it will shoal, though some individuals can show mild aggression toward conspecifics. It mixes well with most community fish, but slow-moving, long-finned species are best avoided as fast, active algae eaters may harass them.
Breeding
Captive breeding is rarely reported and considered difficult; the species is an egg-scatterer and the great majority of aquarium stock is commercially farmed.