The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a popular freshwater fish prized for its ability to consume tough algae types, including black beard algae. Active, hardy, and peaceful, they are excellent additions to community aquariums with a proper setup and tank size.
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The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a popular freshwater fish prized for its ability to consume tough algae types, including black beard algae. Active, hardy, and peaceful, they are excellent additions to community aquariums with a proper setup and tank size.
Slender, elongated body with a horizontal black stripe running from the nose through the tail. Base body color is silvery-gray with a slightly golden hue. The stripe may appear jagged and is a key identification feature. Transparent fins without markings, unlike Flying Foxes which have colored fins.
8–10 years with proper care
Primarily herbivorous, consuming algae, plant matter, and biofilm. Accepts sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach), and occasionally protein-based foods such as bloodworms and shrimp pellets.
The Siamese Algae Eater is one of the best algae-eating fish for freshwater aquariums. Peaceful, hardy, and active, they are invaluable for controlling problem algae types. Best kept in groups, they thrive in planted community setups with good filtration and stable conditions.
Easy to Moderate – hardy and adaptable, but requires groups and swimming space.
30 gallons (larger tanks recommended for groups)
6.0 to 7.5
5–20 dGH
75–79°F (24–26°C)
5–6 inches
Compatible with tetras, rasboras, danios, gouramis, barbs, livebearers, rainbowfish, Corydoras, plecos, and other peaceful community fish. Excellent for planted aquariums.
Avoid aggressive or highly territorial fish (large cichlids, red-tailed sharks) that may harass them. Also not suitable with slow-moving long-finned fish if kept in overcrowded tanks, as SAE may occasionally nibble.
Crossocheilus oblongus
Cyprinidae
Southeast Asia – rivers and streams in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia.
Schooling and social; thrives in groups of 3–6 or more. Peaceful with most community fish but may spar mildly with their own kind if kept in pairs.
Provide sinking algae wafers daily along with fresh blanched vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, spinach). Supplement with high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional protein-based foods like bloodworms for balance.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C), Hardness: 5–20 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <30 ppm
Prone to stress and weakened immune systems if kept singly or in poor water quality. Can suffer from malnutrition if fed only algae; requires a balanced diet. Sensitive to sudden water changes.
Generally peaceful, active, and social. Best kept in groups of 3–6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. They may show mild territorial behavior toward their own kind if kept in small numbers.
Siamese Algae Eaters are among the most efficient algae grazers in the aquarium trade. Unlike similar-looking species (such as Chinese Algae Eaters and Flying Foxes), true SAE remain peaceful and effective algae cleaners throughout their lives. Native to rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, they thrive in well-oxygenated aquariums with stable water parameters. They can reach up to 6 inches in length and are excellent jumpers, so tanks should have secure lids. In addition to algae, they need supplemental feeding to stay healthy. Their slim, torpedo-shaped body with a horizontal black stripe makes them easy to recognize. They are ideal for planted and community aquariums where algae control is needed.