Species Profile
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Also known as: SAE, True Siamese Algae Eater
Algae Eaterspeaceful
Adult size
5.5″
Minimum tank
30 gal
Temperature
73–79°F
pH
6.5–7.8
Schooling
Solitary OK
Water level
bottom
Diet
Algae, biofilm, sinking pellets, blanched veggies
Notes
One of the very few fish that actually eats black-beard algae and tough green hair algae. Often mislabeled in stores as Chinese algae eater, flying fox, or false siamese; check for the unbroken black stripe running through the tail.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Siamese Algae Eater
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Siamese Algae Eaterin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Cardinal Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Molly
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Bolivian Ram
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Bronze Corydoras
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
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