Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Also known as SAE, Siamese Flying Fox, Crossocheilus langei
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A slim, black-striped fish famous for eating stubborn black brush algae, though it grows far larger than most beginners expect. It needs a large, long tank and a group, because singles turn skittish and weaker fish get bullied. Many similar fish are sold under this name.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 80 US gal
- Footprint
- 59 x 18 in
- Temperature
- 68–79 °F
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–15 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 6 fish
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
Siamese Algae Eater care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 6 fish so they feel secure.
- Plan for a very large tank. Tiny juveniles grow into big, fast adults.
- Buy carefully. Lookalikes such as flying foxes get far more aggressive.
- Use a tight lid, because this active fish can jump when startled.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 80 US gallons.
Siamese Algae Eater tank mates and swim zone
Bottom
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Danio rerio
Puntius titteya
Barbodes semifasciolatus
Poecilia reticulata
Xiphophorus maculatus
Paracheirodon innesi
Siamese Algae Eater is much larger than Neon Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Siamese Algae Eater is much larger than Cardinal Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Siamese Algae Eater is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Siamese Algae Eater is much larger than Black Neon Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Melanotaenia boesemani
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Carassius auratus
Goldfish suit cooler water and are not suited to tropical tanks, so Siamese Algae Eater is a poor match.
Siamese Algae Eater feeding and care
How to feed
- Let it graze algae, but do not rely on algae alone.
- Add sinking wafers, pellets and blanched vegetables.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Sexually mature females are thicker in the body than males. Young fish cannot be reliably sexed.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Native to
- Thailand and Malaysia
- Adult size
- 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Schooling/Shoaling (6+)
- Diet
- Algae Grazer
- Water flow
- Moderate
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Mostly Safe
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- Low
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Difficult in Home Tanks
Siamese Algae Eater FAQ
What size tank do Siamese Algae Eaters need?
Our sourced minimum is 80 US gallons (304 liters), with a footprint of 150 x 45 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Siamese Algae Eaters should I keep?
Keep at least 6 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Siamese Algae Eaters?
Good matches on our list include Harlequin Rasbora, Zebra Danio and Cherry Barb. Avoid German Blue Ram and Boesemani Rainbowfish.
How long do Siamese Algae Eaters live?
Care guides report about 5–10 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
How can I spot a true Siamese algae eater?
A true SAE has a straight black stripe running into the tail and has no flaps on its mouth. Lookalikes often have a stripe that stops before the tail.
Where to buy Siamese Algae Eater
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
We have not found a store that sells Siamese Algae Eater under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
For bigger species and larger schools. Check your stand and floor can carry the weight.
Tank size for this species
At least 80 US gallons (304 L), 150 x 45 cm footprint
Filter
Large hang-on-back or canister filter
Handles the extra waste. Canisters also hold more media and run quietly.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 200 W at 40 gallons, about 275 W at 55
Enough power for a large volume. Two smaller heaters that add up to that figure add a safety margin.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.