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Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) – The Ultimate Algae-Cleaning Machine 🌿🐟
-(3-4 cm)
If you’re looking for a hardworking fish to keep algae under control, the Siamese Algae Eater is the perfect addition to your tank. Peaceful, active, and low-maintenance, this species is great for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
🌿 Appearance & Personality:
Siamese Algae Eaters are sleek, slender fish with a bold black stripe running from head to tail. Males are slightly slimmer, while females appear broader around the midsection. They lack a swim bladder, meaning they stay close to the bottom and are natural scavengers. Social and peaceful, they thrive in community tanks with plenty of room to roam.
🌏 Habitat & Behaviour:
Native to Southeast Asia, they are bottom-dwellers who prefer planted environments with driftwood, rocks, or caves to hide in. Active and curious, they enjoy swimming with other peaceful species and do well in groups (but avoid overcrowding).
🔍 Siamese Algae Eater vs Flying Fox:
Be sure to distinguish true Siamese Algae Eaters from similar species like the Flying Fox.
✔️ Siamese Algae Eater: No gold stripe, clear fins, continuous black body stripe
❌ Flying Fox: Gold stripe above the black line, darker fin edges
🌿 Care Guide:
Tank Size: 30 gallons (114L) minimum
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH: 6.5–7.0
Hardness: 5–20 dH
Diet: Omnivorous – eats algae, leftover food, dead insects, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Best Kept With: Peaceful tank mates like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and loaches – avoid aggressive species like cichlids or red-tailed sharks
🪴 Aquascaping Tip:
They thrive in tanks with soft substrates, low to moderate flow, live plants, and hiding places. Natural decor like driftwood and smooth stones help mimic their native habitat and reduce stress.
🐣 Breeding Info:
Breeding Siamese Algae Eaters in home aquariums is extremely rare. Most are farm-bred in controlled environments. Hobbyists usually rely on breeders rather than attempting to reproduce them at home.
✨ Keep your aquarium clean and your fish community peaceful with the efficient, low-fuss Siamese Algae Eater – a true aquatic janitor with personality