SIAMESE ALGAE EATERS

Siamese Algae Eaters (SAEs) or Crossocheilus oblongus are freshwater fishes. They belong to Cyprinidae family.

- Rajiv Sharma

SAEs are one of the best algae eaters. They are one of the most active fishes in consuming algae. The whole time, they are busy grazing algae over rocks, woods, glass surface, filter pipes, and other decorations. They can be referred to as freshwater goats due to their algae grazing habits.

APPEARANCE

Siamese Algae Eaters have a long narrow cylindrical body. Upper side of the body has some paly brown and golden tint. They have black strips from mouth to tail. These strips are covered by thick golden strips. Identifying the gender of Siamese Algae Eater is difficult. They are almost identical, but females are large in size in comparison to males. This is the only visible difference between males and females. Their gender can be identified at the age of 3-4 years. It is very difficult to identify their gender in early stages of life.

FEEDING HABITS AND BEHAVIOUR

Siamese Algae Eaters are omnivores and easily accept flake foods and pellet foods in aquarium. Although their main diet should be vegetable based, they like planted aquariums with lots of plants. In absence of algae and food, they can also nibble delicate plant leaves and mosses.

So, provide them healthy food in the absence of algae. Their body shape allows them to enter in most of the aquarium parts in search of algae.