Description

Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus sp.) is a highly active freshwater fish best known for its appetite for algae. Unlike many fish sold as algae eaters, Siamese Algae Eaters will graze on several types of soft and filamentous algae and can be particularly useful for tackling hair and thread algae.

They are not simply a clean-up tool, however. These are energetic, interesting fish in their own right and can reach around 15–16cm when fully grown, so they need considerably more space than their small juvenile size might suggest.

Siamese Algae Eater for Natural Algae Control

A Siamese Algae Eater spends much of its day exploring plants, wood, rocks and other surfaces in search of food. Their willingness to graze filamentous algae is one of the main reasons they have remained so popular with planted-aquarium keepers.

They can be very useful as part of an algae-control strategy, but shouldn’t be expected to cure an underlying algae problem. Excess nutrients, lighting, maintenance and plant health should still be addressed where persistent algae is present.

Aquarium Set Up

These are active fish that appreciate plenty of swimming room alongside planted and decorated areas to explore.

Plants, rocks and bogwood provide grazing surfaces and areas of cover, while open sections allow them to swim freely. They generally appreciate good water movement and well-oxygenated water, making them particularly well suited to larger planted community aquariums with efficient filtration.

A secure, well-fitting lid is strongly recommended. Siamese Algae Eaters are excellent jumpers, particularly when startled.

Behaviour

Siamese Algae Eaters are generally peaceful but become surprisingly active as they mature.

Young fish may spend much of their time grazing, while older individuals can become more interested in prepared foods and may be considerably more boisterous at feeding time.

They can be kept individually, although several can also be kept together where sufficient aquarium space is available. Groups may develop a loose hierarchy, so cramped conditions should be avoided.

Tank Mates

Their peaceful nature makes Siamese Algae Eaters compatible with a wide range of community fish.

Good companions include many barbs, larger tetras, rainbowfish, peaceful loaches and other similarly active species. Their eventual size and energetic behaviour should be considered when choosing companions, particularly with very small, slow or timid fish.

Siamese Algae Eaters should not be confused with Flying Foxes, which are a different fish despite the names sometimes being used interchangeably in the aquarium trade.

What Algae Will They Eat?

Siamese Algae Eaters are particularly valued for grazing soft green algae and filamentous forms such as hair and thread algae.

How enthusiastically an individual eats algae can vary, and their interest may change as they mature or when plenty of easier prepared food is available.

Like Zebra Nerite Snails, they’re best regarded as part of the solution rather than a substitute for good aquarium maintenance.

Feeding

Algae alone does not provide a complete diet.

Offer a varied diet including good-quality sinking foods, algae wafers and suitable flakes or granules, supplemented with vegetable-based foods. They will also readily take many frozen foods.

Avoid overfeeding if algae grazing is one of the reasons you’re keeping them — a fish presented with an endless buffet of prepared food has considerably less incentive to work for its dinner.

Please note that the image is for illustration purposes and the fish you will receive may not be identical. These fish are still juveniles and have yet to colour up. A healthy environment and good quality food will help bring them into full colour. If you have any questions about keeping these fish, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of staff.

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