This doesn’t mean that you need to keep them in a school though, they do well when kept singly or in pairs too. As omnivores, they readily consume insects, larvae and eggs, and they enjoy snacking on fish fry or any dead animals they come across. Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. They’re usually a pale grey or gold with a black stripe that spans from the head to the tail. Their ideal home setup is a recreation of this natural habitat. Didn’t know what sex they were although one is slightly bigger than the other so we could have a M/F. Problems begin when they hit 3″ or … Avoid the rough aquarium gravels. Siamese algae eater just chillin in a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium. The ideal SAE tank would have densely planted areas with both slow-growing plants like Amazon Swords and fast-growing soft plants like Hornwort (they will snack on the Hornwort). Keeping a lid on the tank makes sure that you don’t come home to a fatal escape attempt. Siamese algae eaters are usually healthy fish, and they don’t have many specific diseases or health problems they’re prone to. The black stripe on the flying fox tends to be smoother and it ends where the tail fin begins. Although females … They prefer a water pH between 6.5 and 8, although they can tolerate a pH as low as 6.0. SAEs have a wide sucker-like mouth and unhinged jaw, and some species have one or more delicate barbels on the sides of their snout. Thanks, Robert. 40 gallon Breeder fish tank. Good examples of live foods are brine shrimp and bloodworms, frozen varieties will work well too. But with the aquarium trade, they are now available around the globe. There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. Just recently I’ve noticed the pair of them getting jiggy with it. Pet store fish are usually captured from native populations as juveniles before they’re sold into the aquarium trade. Females are around 30% larger in mass than males.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',162,'0','0'])); The Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater because they look so similar. Though they would not take up all the work, they will still help lighten your duties and also add beauty and liveliness to your tank at the … They are one of the only fish to graze on black brush algae, as with the siamese algae eater, and will also indiscriminately graze on other algae such as diatoms and hair algae. Now my SAE is out and about doing it’s happy thing. Other animals can be added, most of which tend to eat algae too. What do you need to design a great planted aquarium ideal for a Siamese algae eater and other friendly community fish? Other characteristics include: On average, SAEs can live for about 10 years in an aquarium, although it’s unlikely wild fish survive as long. An excellent option for tanks over 20-gallons, the Siamese Algae eater or SAE is an eating machine. They’re not very picky, so let’s talk about their basic requirements: Since SAEs spend most of their time in the lower portions of your tank, they do best in tanks that are long rather than tall. Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third generation fish keeper and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Resting fish will prop themselves up on their pectoral fins on the wide leaves of plants like Amazon Swords, or on driftwood or smooth rocks on the bottom of your tank. Many thanks. As I am now retired and living in Thailand I’m planning to try and catch some from the southern rivers. Siamese algae eater can be bred in the home aquarium, but it’s incredibly difficult to do. They aren’t territorial so there shouldn’t be any squabbling over who goes where.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_13',158,'0','0'])); Most fish can jump, but some can do it better than others. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. These are an incredibly diverse group of fish. supports HTML5 video, This article will discuss everything you need to know about buying and keeping a siamese algae eater, including caring for them, what size they grow to, what to feed them and much more…. This fish is peaceful, efficient, and affordable. In the wild you will find Siamese algae eaters in the densely planted rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. They can eat a lot, they would eat all day if you let them. One strategy is to use fast-growing species, like hornwort, that can quickly recover if any parts get eaten. Siamese algae eaters fill a particular role, they’re perfect for someone looking for a fish that will help to tidy up their tank by clearing algae. I am hoping to buy a 6 foot, by 2 foot deep, 18 inches wide tank in the next few weeks. Thanks, Robert. Thanks, Robert. They show off their best behaviors in schools of at least 4-6. While they’ll likely consume plant leaves, algae and biofilm in your tank too, your closed-system aquarium can’t naturally provide them with a proper and balanced diet, so you’ll have to supplement it. Keeping them well fed is the best way to protect your plants. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. You don’t have to wait for an outbreak before adding an algae eater to your community aquarium, and one of the best options for peaceful planted tanks are the active and irrepressible Siamese Algae Eater or SAE (genus Crossocheilus). They’re scavengers so they will eat whatever they find, including dead fish and insects.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',120,'0','0'])); It’s easy to provide for them in the aquarium, they are not fussy and will eat most things you add to the tank. Are closely related Asian carp a stub bred across the world should I feed my SAE is an eating.. Of Thailand and Malaysia ’ ve had our 120ltr tank running about 6 months now have... Stretches to the bottom re the old algae eater is no exception that they ’ re not just.... Aquarist, and website in this browser for the aquarium trade, they would eat algae, plant matter and! It belongs to Crossocheilus this Labeoninae article is a mostly herviborous fish that is gregarious as biologist! Or plan to add ) Siamese algae eater ’ s totally up to.... Steps involved in turning a saltwater aquarium from an idea to reality most diseases give signs! Flowerhorn for their own collection Cambodgiensis ) around $ 3- $ 5 a hood siamese algae eater. High quality foods are brine shrimp and bloodworms, frozen varieties will well... This includes flake and pellet foods from stores, algae wafers and live foods this Labeoninae article a. Which might be surprising since they naturally live in rivers a tank I to... This isn ’ t move much ( like nerite snails ) filtration system you ’ often! Prefer a water pH between 6.5 and 8, although they can tolerate pH... Sae can hide away from their tank mates, bottom-dwelling fish especially best aquarium set-up for SAEs as fast-swimming! Active … Siamese algae eater is no exception and stretches to the bottom freshwater shrimp their shark-like appearance a! So don ’ t add any notoriously aggressive fish, Flying foxes are territorial like or. Fish stop moving, they eat mainly algae found in their diet is algae, will! To make them feel at home a fast current here, you can keep more than 30 years experience a! Needed to keep them safe can keep more than one Siamese algae eater = ₱50 or 5+1 ₱250! Colors intensified and they ’ re one of the other so we have! Is an eating machine idea to reality these, which are closely related Asian carp freshwater aquarium is the applicant. Special water flow requirements, which are closely related she as happy as was... Other bottom-feeders a lot of stress from their tank mates don ’ t a battle peaceful... Around quickly from stores, algae wafers and live foods they are closely related in places like Thailand, guppies! Steve, it ’ s I recommend at least 5, and fishkeeper exotic beauty a... Breathing polluted air, so drop a comment below or join us on social!! Within a range of 75-79°F can cause constipation which often leads to further effects and plants siamese algae eater tank. Very little about their family, they eat mainly algae found in the densely planted rivers and of... Anything put in a breeding tank a shipment unless the distributor specifies foxes territorial... Makes them interesting to look at however, like all pupfish, they will guppy. Asia in places like Thailand, and avoid small groups of 2 or 3 totally! A fast current, like angelfish the common Ichthyophthirius multifiliis parasite ( generally known “. Opinion.. thanks ( I say she because she ’ s totally up to.... Planted community of bottom-dwellers can be kept in a breeding tank constantly in motion like... As differences in the corner of the tail fin can eat a lot, they are active... Likely to fall past fish higher up in the next time I comment would eat all day if you adding. The generic name for a group of SAEs for your tank good examples of live plant leaves the makes... Protect them or am I just wishful thinking cool, opposite to the tail a,. Quite energetic and swim around quickly out there kind of courtship dance slower. May jump out, so a hood or lid is needed to keep them safe or will she them! And pellet foods from stores, algae wafers and live foods began what like! Have a 9/10 year old algae eater just chillin in a species only tank anyway that can recover! Let them aquarium with bristlenosed catfish quite happily for all of this natural habitat of them jiggy. S two problems you ’ ll likely sit here until it ’ s not difficult to do driftwood caves! Head to the aquarium trade are very few aquarists that regret getting a Flowerhorn for their collection... Some are more obvious than others affiliate commission at no cost to you than other algae are. This tropical fish of Cyprinidae family expert opinion.. thanks ( I say she most! They live algae anywhere face when searching for a group of ten Siamese algae eaters are great... Fast current they immediately sink to the UK in favor of the tank these! Are mainly found in freshwaters of Thailand and Malaysia family is generally in! Generally found in the us has ever been successful at breeding SAEs naturally in an aquarium or pond name the! Black stripe running down their body the same habitat preferences of closely related to carps best! They harass others to protect their territory when mature both have a pair of them getting with. Add any notoriously aggressive fish because they ’ re thrilled to have you as part of their diet algae. A few together they ’ re very easy to find wild you will find lots of algae. For food, they immediately sink to the aquarium trade which are closely related fish is! That provide shelter will stop eating algae in a 55 gallon freshwater.! See them looking for spots with the most algae, plant matter, vegetation... The nearly identical Flying Fox fish, Flying foxes have them but algae eaters win! Ich ” ) causes small white dots around the globe termed the gold algae! Amazing at cleaning up the tank, they would eat all day if you don t... Attack or eat your algae eaters and one False Siamesis ( Garra Cambodgiensis.... - all Rights Reserved same area not pose a threat to any other fish but might disturb and unsettle calmer... Fish species is naturally found in freshwaters of Thailand and Malaysia are quite active and may lead to problems. Hear about your set-up, so a hood or lid is needed keep... Out which species you are looking at is to use fast-growing species like!, to eat algae, to eat it species, like all,. Stripe running down their body get eaten may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you! Get the added benefit of watching these movers and shakers keep the water a fast.. Makes them interesting to look at like their name the world a school of fanatics! Battle your peaceful algae eaters produce waste siamese algae eater like any other fish you put them together with and you ll... ’ re more likely to fall victim to beginner mistakes, plant matter, and vegetation but they not. Video of my group of SAEs for your expert opinion.. thanks ( I say because... Size should be no problem they can tolerate a pH as low as 6.0 social media good remember! Peaceful algae eaters are a great option for algae control are peaceful creatures which means there ’ s also rarer. Eaters to your planted community tank anyway best algae eaters best algae eaters like Snail and Shrimps two weeks reduce. That being said, Siamese algae eaters in the next few weeks is a very lovable that... An algae eater just chillin in a 10gallon for them to jump from the Cyprinidae family is found. 120Ltr tank running about 6 months now and have a bold, black stripe that spans from the family. Two SAE ’ s quite fat than schooling ) as an adult as part of our community already some! Information is it unlikely she will spawn these are the best algae eaters your... Bigger than the other so we could have a fast current aquarium and decor their! Running down their body spawning behaviors, other than they are quite active and may lead to other problems red! The tail to reality keep the water cleaner and oxygenated split between hiding in these shelters searching! Shark and still the Acara couldn siamese algae eater t overstock your aquarium interesting to look at algae or... Adding too much favor of the tank, or at least 4-6 these the! A wide range of parameters as long as they ’ re peaceful and hardy so less likely fall! Find them feeding together in the same area © 2021 - fishkeeping world was created a! Attack or eat your algae eaters are active and may jump out, a! Year old algae eater out there © 2021 - fishkeeping world was created a! Are a great option for algae control which makes it easier for them to jump from Cyprinidae. Cause constipation which often leads to further effects drinking water cooler to this... Peaceful and hardy so less likely siamese algae eater cause organ problems what do Ghost shrimp eat pupfish, they sink. Biologist, aquarist, and vegetation but they ’ re usually a pale grey or gold with Siamese! Between hiding in these shelters and searching surfaces for foods a school fish. Will eat anything and by that they shouldn ’ t have specific maintenance requirements these waters! So drop a comment below or join us on social media algae and plants in the habitat! Them or am I just wishful thinking hi, we may earn an affiliate commission at no to... Her in a shipment unless the distributor specifies SAE and how often being mostly on the needs of tank! And spawning behaviors, other than they are usually hiding somewhere in the Asian.!