Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a cyprinid fish native to the Chao Phraya and Mekong River basins of mainland Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula. Its singular claim to fame in the aquarium hobby is its willingness to consume black beard algae (Compsopogon species) — a stubborn, brush-like algae that most other algae-eating fish and invertebrates refuse to touch. This makes it an invaluable addition to planted aquariums struggling with this persistent problem. Adults reach 15–16 cm. The body is silver with a solid black stripe running continuously from the snout tip to the end of the tail fin. Confusion with the similar-looking flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) and 'false' Siamese algae eaters is common; key distinguishing features include the unbroken black stripe extending into the tail and the absence of barbels. Juvenile individuals are peaceful, but adults develop territorial tendencies toward bottom-dwelling tankmates. Preferred conditions are 24–28°C at pH 6.0–7.5. Solo keeping is generally more settled than keeping multiples.

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Algae, pellets, frozen food