Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus langei
Also sold as SAE · Siamese flying fox · True SAE · Crossocheilus sp.
Synonyms Crossocheilus siamensis · Crossocheilus oblongus
Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus langei) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 15 cm (5.9 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 68–81°F (20–27°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 190 L (50 gal).
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At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 190 L (50 gal) |
| Group size | Can be kept singly |
| Temperature | 68–81°F (20–27°C) |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 5–20 |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Siamese Algae Eater needs at least 190 L (50 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 55 Gallon.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Iridescent Shark, Senegal Bichir and Black Ghost Knifefish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 68–81°F (20–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- Do not put it with Flying Fox.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- It grazes algae hard, which is most of the reason people buy it.
Siamese Algae Eater: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 190 L (50 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 55 Gallon.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
68–81°F (20–27°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 5–20.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Siamese Algae Eater | Chinese Algae Eater | Angelfish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 15 cm | 28 cm | 15 cm |
| Min tank | 190 L | 304 L | 150 L |
| Group | 1+ | 1+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 68–81°F (20–27°C) | 72–79°F (22–26°C) | 75–84°F (24–29°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | — | Yes |