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Freshwater   Fishes

Siamese algae eater
(Crossocheilus oblongus)

Siamese algae eater

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Crossocheilus oblongus
Crossocheilus Siamensis

Common name
Siamese algae eater
Siamese flying fox
Algenfresserr (DE)

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysian Peninsula
Biotope: Asian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

There is nothing to distinguish a male from a female. The female will be slightly bounced but it is not very visible

Group

Group

Cyprinidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 23 à 28°C or 73 to 82°F
pH: 5.5 to 8
Hardness: 3 to 15°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

12 to 15cm (5 to 6")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

10 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

4

Food

How to feed the Siamese algae eater?

Food

How to feed the Siamese algae eater?

Mainly herbivorous and alguivorous, the diet of this fish requires a large amount of plants.

It is particularly fond of seaweed and you will be a good help in this area. However, it only consumes young algae (filamentous, green, red or black). Thus, prefer to introduce it into a relatively young aquarium (but having spent its nitrite peak) which it’ll consume the nascent algae, rather than waiting for a possible invasion of algae and introduce it later: its action will be very limited. In any case, ensure the balance of your aquarium because an excess of algae comes from an imbalance.

You must complete your diet, for example with dry food for vegetarian fish, live or frozen prey.

If the Siamese algae-eater does not find enough to eat, it will not hesitate to attack your plants! Excess food is also to be avoided because it can make it lazy: it will no longer seek to eat the algae of your aquarium. We must find the right balance in the distribution and frequency of meals. For this reason only one watchword: observation! Indeed, it will depend on the configuration of your aquarium, its balance, its maturity and its population.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Siamese algae eater have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Siamese algae eater have?

Despite its large size (up to 15 cm or 6 inch), the Crossocheilus oblongus is peaceful with all when properly maintained. Note, however, that an individual alone can become extremely aggressive towards all of his roommates.

Young fish are very active. This temperament fades with time and older subjects will be quiet and will like to sit quietly on a sheet or other element of the decor. However, its temper does not get better with age, going so far as to become cranky! It is less tolerant in terms of cohabitation and more territorial.

Crossocheilus resting on a root

Another change over time is that young Crossocheilus tend to rest on wide leaves in the upper part of the aquarium, while the older ones will choose leaves that are lower or even directly on the ground.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Siamese algae eater?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Siamese algae eater?

duo de Crossocheilus

A first rule to observe in terms of cohabitation is the presence of other representatives of its kind. Indeed, the Crossocheilus live in a group. A hierarchy is set up and territories are assigned to each member. Sometimes you can observe some chases because some fish become quite territorial with their congeners. To dilute the possible aggressiveness of the dominant, it is recommended to maintain at least 4 fish. Thus, it will not always be the same dominated who will be pursued. An aquarium of at least 200 liters or 44 Imps Gal or 53 US Gal will provide sufficient space for the distribution of territories.

In general, the Crossocheilus easily coexists with a large number of species. For example, you can associate Barbus or Rasboras to stay in the same biotope.

However, even if it does not pose a problem of aggressiveness (except when it is alone, cf «behavior»), its active temperament could interfere with other calmer and fearful species like the Corydoras for example. The cohabitations to avoid absolutely are with the Cobitidae (loaches) and the Epalzeorhynchos with whom the war will be inevitable.

Finally, note that you may have maintained your Crossocheilus for a long time in a certain configuration, which they will not support anymore as they age (see «behavior»). You must be careful about the good cohabitation of your fish throughout its life, as things can evolve.

Breeding

How to breed the Siamese algae eater?

Breeding

How to breed the Siamese algae eater?

The breeding of Crossocheilus oblongus has not yet been successful in the aquarium.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Siamese algae eater?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Siamese algae eater?

First, as with many territorial species, do not neglect the space this fish needs. Thus, in the case of Crossocheilus, an aquarium of at least 200 liters or 44 Imp Gal or 53 US Gal with a 120 cm or 47 inch facade, will be necessary. Remember that once an adult, it can measure up to 15 cm or 6 inch!

The water parameters are not particularly critical for this tolerant species in this respect. Avoid the extremes of its maintenance range for better comfort.

This fish is a very good swimmer and enjoys a good current. Do not hesitate to offer one in its living area using a powerful filtration. Moreover, it is not uncommon to observe the Crossocheilus Siamensis position itself at the exit of the rejection of the filter to swim and have fun.

As far as planting is concerned, the Crossocheilus likes well-planted aquariums, with many wide leaves on which it settles.

Note finally that this fish is an excellent jumper. It is therefore imperative that you cover your tank and protect your neon.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Often confused with Epalzeorhynchos Kalopterus. The difference is in the number of barbels in the mouth. In addition, Epalzeorhynchus Kalopterus does not eat algae.

Remember that a fish is acquired only because the maintenance of the species is of particular interest to us, and not for their pseudo-function. You may not only be disappointed with the effectiveness of the «seaweed eater» and in some cases cause significant problems of cohabitation.

Yours photos!

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