BeginnerPeaceful
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Family: Cyprinidae
True Siamese Algae Eaters are the only fish that eat black beard algae (BBA). Often confused with Flying Foxes and Chinese Algae Eaters.
30G+
Min Tank Size
6"
Max Size
10+ years+
Years Lifespan
75-79
°F Temp Range
Water Parameters
Temperature
60°F75 - 79°F100°F
pH Level
5.06.5 - 810.0
Hardness (dGH)
05 - 20 dGH30
Care Tips
Gets large - need adequate tank size. Active swimmers that need space. May become territorial with age. The real SAE has a ragged black stripe.
Feeding
Herbivore/omnivore. Eats all types of algae including BBA. Supplement with algae wafers and vegetables when algae is scarce.
Breeding
Not bred in home aquariums. Commercial breeding uses hormones. All available fish are wild-caught or commercially bred.
📚 Sources: Care parameters based on SeriouslyFish, FishBase, and Aquarium Co-Op. Personal observations from the author's 5+ years of fishkeeping experience.
Tank Size Compatibility
Compatible Tank Mates
Good Tank Mates
Avoid Keeping With
Red Tailed SharkCichlid