Siamese Algae Eater Beginner Guide 101: Care & More 2024

If you're looking for a fish that will help keep your aquarium clean and free of algae, then the Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) is a great choice! These hardy little freshwater fish are native to Southeast Asia and are excellent at eating all kinds of algae, including the black brush or ‘beard’ algae that can be difficult to eliminate.

They are peaceful fish that do well in community tanks and can even be kept with smaller shrimp.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about keeping Siamese Algae Eater in your aquarium, including tips on diet, tank mates, and more.

So read on to learn all about them!

Siamese Algae Eater: Species Summary

Scientific name:	Crossocheilus siamensis
Common names:	Siamese Algae Eater, SAE, Crossocheilus Oblongus
Family:	Cyprinidae
Life expectancy:	10 years or more in captivity
Size:	6 inches (15 cm)
Behavior:	Peaceful, active
Tank size:	30 gallons or more
pH range:	6.3 – 7.1
Temperature range:	70° – 80°F
Hardness range:	5 – 20 dGH
Water Type:	Freshwater
Activity Level:	Moderately Active
Swimming Level:	Top to Middle
Compatibility:	Peaceful, can be kept with smaller shrimp
Tankmates:	Other peaceful fish, such as tetras and livebearers
Care Level:	Easy
Breeding:	Difficult
Diet:	Omnivores, mostly algae

Siamese Algae Eater: Origin & Habitat

The Siamese Algae Eater is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. These fish typically inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and canals with plenty of vegetation.

They are found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of China.

Siamese Algae Eater: Appearance

Siamese algae eaters are slender and elongated fish with dark brown to black bodies and light-colored bellies. These fish have a long, horizontal stripe that runs along their body from the snout to the tail.

This stripe tends to fade against the body color as the fish ages. They also have a pair of long barbels (whiskers) on their lower jaw that they use to help find food. The telltale black stripe runs to the tip of the tail of a Siamese Algae Eater.

Side-by-side, the female Siamese Algae Eater, is generally slightly larger than the male and has a more rounded belly. So if you're looking to breed these fish, it's best to get a group of at least 6-8 individuals and let them pair off on their own.

One other appearance detail is that young Siamese Algae Eaters often have a yellowish tinge to their fins, which fades to clear as they get older.

They are sometimes confused with the related fish Crossocheilus oblongus, but these two species can be distinguished by the number of pores on their head. Siamese Algae Eaters have 5-6 pores, while Crossocheilus oblongus have 7-8 pores.

Siamese Algae Eater: Size & Growth Rate

They can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length, although they are typically only about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long.

As for the growth rate, young Siamese Algae Eaters will proliferate if given plenty of food and good living conditions.

Adult Siamese Algae Eaters will typically only grow slowly or not at all.

Siamese Algae Eater: Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Siamese Algae Eater is ten years or more. However, these fish have been known to live for much longer in captivity, with some individuals living 15 years or more.

If you want your Siamese Algae Eater to have a long and healthy life, provide them with a good diet, clean water, and plenty of space to swim.

Siamese Algae Eater: Behavior & Temperament

The Siamese algae eater is a peaceful fish well-suited for community tanks. These fish are not known to be aggressive and will do well with other peaceful fish species.

The Siamese algae eater is an active fish that likes to swim in all areas of the tank. These fish are also known to be good jumpers, so it is important to have a tight-fitting lid on your aquarium.

They are social fish that do best when kept in groups. A group of them should consist of at least six fish. These always-moving fish are considered among the best algae eaters available. They do an excellent job of keeping aquariums clean and free of algae.

Fish owners can create an ideal environment for their algae eaters by providing plenty of places to hide and swim. Live plants, driftwood, and rocks can all be used to create hiding spots for them. It is also important to provide these fish with plenty of swimming space.

Siamese Algae Eater: Breeding

While it is not difficult to breed Siamese algae eaters, it is not something that is commonly done by hobbyists. These fish are mouth-brooders, which means the female will carry the eggs in her mouth until they hatch.

To breed them, you will need to provide them with a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. It is also important to have a ratio of two females for every male.

To induce spawning, you can raise the water temperature to around 82° Fahrenheit and perform a partial water change. The female Siamese algae eater will lay eggs on plant leaves or other surfaces in the tank. After the eggs are laid, the female will pick them up in her mouth.

The eggs will hatch in about two weeks, and the fry will be released into the tank. The fry is small and must be fed infusoria or other fine-grained foods. It is also important to provide plenty of hiding spots for the fry as they will be very vulnerable to predators. So long as the fry has plenty of food and places to hide, they should do well.

How To Tell The Difference: Siamese Algae Eaters vs. Siamese Flying Fox Fish

It can be difficult to tell Siamese algae eaters and Siamese flying fox fish apart, as they are very similar in appearance. However, a few key distinctions can help you tell them apart.

First of all, Siamese algae eaters have light-colored bellies, while the belly of a Siamese flying fox fish is dark. Secondly, Siamese flying fox fish have a black stripe that extends from the snout to the tail, while the stripe on a Siamese algae eater only extends to the base of the tail. Finally, Siamese flying fox fish have 6-8 pores on their head, while Siamese algae eaters have 5-6 pores.

Siamese Algae Eater: Food & Diet

Like most fish species, the diet of a Siamese algae eater should consist mainly of protein. They tend to be less fussy than other fish when it comes to food and will accept most types of live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods.

A good diet for a Siamese algae eater should consist of the following:

• Live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
• Freeze-dried foods such as krill and shrimp
• Frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia

As well as a variety of vegetable matter.

Some vegetables that Siamese algae eaters enjoy include:

• Zucchini
• Peas
• Spirulina

In their native environments, the diet of a Siamese algae eater consists mainly of small insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Some commercial foods that are available for Siamese algae eaters will contain these same types of ingredients.

Diet Foods To Avoid

When choosing a food for your Siamese algae eater, select one high in protein and low in carbohydrates. You should also avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial colors and flavors.

Some examples of foods to avoid are:

• Pellets: Many pellets are high in carbohydrates and fillers.
• Flakes: Flakes are often high in carbohydrates and fillers.
• Bread: Bread is high in carbohydrates and should be avoided.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in artificial colors and flavors.

As with any animal, it is important to provide your Siamese algae eater with a balanced and nutritious diet. A good diet will help to keep your fish healthy and free from disease.

Feeding Schedule

How often you should feed your Siamese algae eater will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your fish and the type of food you are feeding them.

As a general rule of thumb, you should feed them two to three times per day.

If you are feeding them live food, you should feed them as often as they will eat. If you feed your Siamese algae eater frozen or freeze-dried food, you should thaw or rehydrate it before feeding it to your fish.

As with any animal, it is important not to overfeed your Siamese algae eater. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Siamese Algae Eater: Care

Now that you know about Siamese algae eaters, it's time to learn how to take care of them! These fish are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

The first thing you need to do is set up a suitable tank for your Siamese algae eaters. These fish need plenty of space to swim. The tank should also have plenty of plants and hiding places for the fish to feel safe and comfortable; as for water conditions, Siamese algae eaters prefer clean, well-oxygenated water that is neutral to slightly alkaline.

When it comes to diet, Siamese algae eaters are not picky eaters and will accept most types of food; however, these fish do require a high vegetable matter diet.

As Siamese algae eaters are relatively peaceful fish, they can be kept with various tank mates. If you provide your Siamese algae eaters with a suitable tank setup, a good diet, and some compatible tank mates, they will thrive in your care.

Siamese Algae Eater: Tank Size

The minimum tank size for Siamese algae eaters is 20 gallons. However, these fish prefer more space to swim, so a tank size of 30 gallons or more is ideal.

Also, provide your Siamese algae eaters with plenty of plants and hiding places. These fish like to have a lot of cover in their tank.

When setting up your tank, use a good filter and change the water regularly. Siamese algae eaters are not particularly tolerant of poor water conditions.

Siamese Algae Eater: Water Parameters

Siamese algae eaters are native to Southeast Asia, so they prefer warm water that is neutral to slightly alkaline. The ideal temperature range for these fish is 70°–80° Fahrenheit.

The Ph range for Siamese algae eaters should be 6.3–7.1. As for water hardness, these fish prefer soft to medium hardness water. The ideal hardness range for Siamese algae eaters is 5-20 DH.

New fish owners should know that Siamese algae eaters do not tolerate poor water conditions. If the water in your tank is not clean and well-oxygenated, your fish will likely become stressed and may even die.

So be sure to perform regular water changes and keep the tank clean to provide your fish with the best possible conditions.

Filtration

When choosing a filter for your Siamese algae eater tank, be sure to get one powerful enough to filter all the water in the tank at least three times per hour.

A good rule of thumb is to get a filter rated for double the size of your tank. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should get a rated filter for at least 40 gallons.

It is also good to get a filter with an adjustable flow rate. This way, you can adjust the flow rate to match the needs of your fish. Finally, regularly clean the filter media to prevent it from becoming clogged and ineffective.

Some recommended filters for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Fluval C2 Power Filter: This filter is rated for aquariums up to 30 gallons and has a flow rate of 150 gallons per hour.
• The Aqua Clear Powerhead Filter: This filter is rated for aquariums up to 50 gallons and has a flow rate of 200 gallons per hour.
• The Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter: This filter is rated for up to 75 gallons of aquariums and has a flow rate of 350 gallons per hour.

Heating

As Siamese algae eaters are native to warm waters, they will need a heater in their tank to maintain a suitable temperature. The ideal temperature range for these fish is 75-79 degrees Fahrenheit.

When choosing a heater, be sure to get one rated for at least 2-3 times the size of your tank. It is also good to get a heater with an adjustable temperature setting. This way, you can adjust the temperature to match the needs of your fish.

Some recommended heaters for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Fluval Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater: This is adjustable from 68-88 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for aquariums of up to 60 gallons.
• The AquaTop Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater: This heater is adjustable from 66-96 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for aquariums of up to 75 gallons.
• The Marineland Precision Submersible Heater: This is adjustable from 66-88 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for aquariums of up to 100 gallons.

Lighting

As Siamese algae eaters come from dark waters, they do not need strong lighting in their tanks. In fact, too much light can actually cause stress and make it difficult for them to see their food.

A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 watts of lighting per gallon of tank water. So, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should provide 20-40 watts of lighting.

Some recommended lighting for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The FluvalSea LED Aquarium Kit: This kit comes with a 30-watt LED light and is suitable for aquariums of up to 50 gallons.
• The Aqua Culture LED Aquarium Hood: This hood has a built-in LED light with 24 watts of power and is suitable for aquariums of up to 20 gallons.
• The Marineland Reef Capable LED Light: This light has 50 watts of power and is suitable for aquariums of up to 75 gallons.

Co2 Systems

Siamese algae eaters come from waters with high levels of dissolved carbon dioxide, they will need a Co2 system in their tank to maintain a suitable environment.

When choosing a Co2 system, be sure to get one rated for at least 2-3 times the size of your tank. It is also a good idea to get a system with an adjustable Co2 output. This way, you can adjust the flow of Co2 to match the needs of your fish.

Some recommended Co2 systems for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This substrate is infused with Co2 and is suitable for aquariums of up to 10 gallons.
• The Aqua Culture Deluxe CO2 Kit: This kit comes with a Co2 regulator and is suitable for aquariums of up to 20 gallons.
• The Marineland Magnificent Plants CO2 System: This system is suitable for aquariums of up to 40 gallons.

Water Conditioners

As Siamese algae eaters come from waters with high levels of dissolved minerals, they will need a water conditioner in their tank to remove these minerals and make the water safe for them to live in.

When choosing a water conditioner, get one designed for aquarium use. Some good brands to look for include Seachem and API.

Some recommended water conditioners for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• Seachem Prime: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine, chloramine, and ammonia from your water.
• API Stress Coat+: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and chloramine from your water, and it also contains aloe vera to help heal any wounds your fish may have.
• Seachem Matrix: This water conditioner is designed to remove dissolved minerals from your water.

Substrate

When choosing a substrate for your Siamese algae eater tank, it is important to choose one that will not affect the water quality.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a substrate that is safe for plants.

Some recommended substrates for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Fluval Plant and Shrimp Stratum: This substrate is made from natural clay and is safe for both plants and shrimp.
• The Aqua Culture Aquarium Gravel: This gravel is made from natural stone and is safe for plants and fish.
• The Marineland Pompeii Quartz Sand: This sand is made from 100% pure quartz and is safe for plants and fish.

Plants

As Siamese algae eaters come from dark waters, they prefer tank setups that are heavily planted. This not only provides them with a place to hide but also helps to oxygenate the water and keep it clean.

Some recommended plants for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Anacharis: This plant is a fast grower and can reach up to 2 feet long.
• The Java Fern: This plant is a slow grower and can reach up to 1 foot long.
• The Hornwort: This plant is a fast grower and can reach up to 3 feet long.

Decorations

As Siamese algae eaters are bottom dwellers, they prefer tank setups that have plenty of places for them to hide.

Some recommended decorations for Siamese algae eater tanks include:

• The Penn Plax Stone Replica Aquarium Decor: This decoration is made from safe, non-toxic materials and is designed to look like real stone.
• The Zoo Med Aquatic Decorations: These decorations are made from safe, non-toxic materials and come in various shapes and sizes.
• The Koller Products Aqua Deco Reef Rock: This decoration is made from safe, non-toxic materials and is designed to look like real coral.

Siamese Algae Eater: Other Tank Accessories

In addition to the above items, you will need a few other tank accessories to complete your Siamese algae eater setup.

These include:

• Air Pump: An air pump is necessary to oxygenate the water in your tank. It is also necessary to run any filters or bubblers you may have.
• Bubbler: A bubbler is unnecessary, but it can help oxygenate the water in your tank and make it look more aesthetically pleasing.
• Thermometer: A thermometer is necessary to monitor the water temperature in your tank.
• PH Test Kit: A pH test kit is necessary to monitor the water alkalinity in your tank.

As you can see, there are a few things that you will need to take into consideration when setting up a Siamese algae eater tank.

Siamese Algae Eater: Water Changes

It is important to do regular water changes in your Siamese algae eater tank. A good rule of thumb is to change at least 25% of the water every two weeks.

Be sure to use a gravel vacuum to remove any debris from the bottom of the tank before you change the water. After you have removed the dirty water, you will need to add fresh water to the tank. You can either use dechlorinated tap water or bottled spring water.

If you use tap water, you will need to treat it with a water conditioner before adding it to the tank.

Siamese Algae Eater: Cleaning The Tank

In addition to regular water changes, you will also need to clean the tank on a regular basis. This can be done by wiping down the inside of the tank with a damp cloth.

You should also remove any algae that are growing on the glass or decorations. This can be done with an algae scraper.

It is also a good idea to vacuum the gravel on a regular basis. This will help to remove any uneaten food or waste from the bottom of the tank.

Siamese Algae Eater: Cleaning The Filter

It is important to clean the filter regularly. A good rule of thumb is to clean it every two weeks.

To clean the filter, you need to remove it from the tank and rinse it in dechlorinated water. Be sure to avoid getting any water in the filter media itself.

After rinsing the filter, you can put it back in the tank.

Siamese Algae Eater: Testing The Water

It is important to test the water in your Siamese algae eater tank regularly. This can be done with a water testing kit.

You should test the water at least once a week.

Be sure to test for the following parameters:

• pH
• Ammonia
• Nitrites
• Nitrates

If you notice that any of these levels are high, you will need to take action to correct the problem.

Siamese Algae Eater: Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that Siamese algae eaters are susceptible to.

These include:

• Ich: Ich is a parasitic infection that can cause white spots on the fish. If left untreated, ich can be fatal. If you do notice white spots on your fish, you will need to treat the affected fish with a medication that is designed for ich.
• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can cause the fins to disintegrate. If left untreated, fin rot can be fatal for fish. If you do notice that your fish's fins are deteriorating, you will need to treat the affected fish with a medication that is designed for fin rot.
• Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that can cause lesions on the body of the fish. If left untreated, columnaris can be fatal. If you do notice lesions on your fish, you will need to treat the affected fish with a medication that is designed for columnaris.

If you think that your fish is sick, you should consult a veterinarian that is familiar with fish.

Siamese Algae Eater: Preventing Diseases

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent diseases in your Siamese algae eater tank.

One of the most important things that you can do is to quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank. It would help if you also kept the tank clean and free of debris. It is also a good idea to feed your fish a high-quality diet.

It would help if you also had a regular routine of testing the water and doing water changes. If you follow these guidelines, you can help to prevent diseases in your tank.

Siamese Algae Eater: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If you do notice that your fish are sick, you will need to take action to treat the disease. One of the most important things that you can do is to consult a veterinarian that is familiar with fish. They will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication for your fish.

It is also a good idea to set up a hospital tank. This is a separate tank that can be used to isolate sick fish. The hospital tank should have its own filter and heating system.

It would help if you also used a water conditioner to remove any harmful chemicals from the water. Be sure to follow the instructions on the medication carefully. If you do not treat the disease, it can spread to other fish and potentially kill them.

There are a few different medications that are commonly used to treat diseases in fish.

These include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Be sure to use the medication as directed by the veterinarian.
• Fungicides: Fungicides are commonly used to treat fungal infections. Be sure to use the medication as directed by the veterinarian.
• Parasiticides: Parasiticides are commonly used to treat parasitic infections. Be sure to use the medication as directed by the veterinarian.

If you take the time to learn about Siamese algae eaters and how to care for them properly, you will be rewarded with a beautiful and healthy fish.

Siamese Algae Eater: Tank Mates

Typically, Siamese algae eaters are peaceful fish that do well with other peaceful fish species. These fish are not known to be aggressive and will generally get along with most other fish. 

Some good tank mates for them include:

• Danios: Danios are peaceful fish that come in various colors and patterns. These hardy fish do well in most aquariums and make good tank mates for Siamese algae eaters.
• Platies: Platies are peaceful fish that do well with Siamese algae eaters.
• Barb: Barbs are active fish that come in various colors and patterns.
• Mollies: These are peaceful fish that do well with algae eaters.
• Guppies: Guppies are another peaceful species of fish that make a good tank
• Swordtails: Swordtails are a peaceful fish species well-suited for community tanks.
• Tetras: Tetras are peaceful fish similar in size to the Siamese algae eater.

When choosing tank mates for your Siamese algae eater, it is important to select fish that are similar in size. These fish can also be kept with other algae eaters, such as otocinclus catfish.

Siamese Algae Eater: Fish To Avoid

Avoid keeping Siamese algae eaters with large, aggressive fish. Large fish could easily intimidate and bully these small algae eaters. Avoid keeping Siamese algae eaters with fish that are known to nip fins. Fish that nip fins can damage the delicate fins of Siamese algae eaters.

Avoid Cichlids and red-tailed sharks, as they are likely to harass, injure, or even kill Siamese algae eaters.

When To Call A Vet

There are a few signs that you should look for that indicate that your fish is sick. These include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Discoloration
• Lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, you should call a vet

Advantages Of Having Siamese Algae Eater In Your Tank

The first advantage of having a Siamese algae eater in your tank is that they help to keep the tank clean. These fish are constantly grazing on algae and other debris, which helps to keep the water clean and clear.

Another advantage of Siamese algae eaters is that they are peaceful fish that generally do well with other fish. These fish are not known to be aggressive and will generally get along with most other fish.

Disadvantages Of Having Siamese Algae Eater In Your Tank

One disadvantage of having Siamese algae eaters is that they can be difficult to find. These fish are not commonly bred in captivity, so they can be difficult to find at your local pet store.

Another disadvantage of Siamese algae eaters is that they require a well-planted aquarium. These fish need plenty of hiding spots and vegetation to feel comfortable and safe. Without these things, Siamese algae eaters can become stressed and may not do well.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having Siamese algae eaters in your tank. These fish can be difficult to find and require a well-planted aquarium, but they are peaceful fish that help to keep the tank clean. Ultimately, whether or not you want to have Siamese algae eaters in your tank is up to you.

I hope this article has helped you to understand better Siamese algae eaters and whether or not they are right for your tank.

Thanks for reading!