Siamese Algae Eater

Crossocheilus oblongus

One of the few fish that eats black beard algae. A black stripe runs from its nose to the very tip of its tail.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 15 cm, lives near the bottom and needs 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–8.0 and an aquarium of at least 120 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

pH

6.5–8.0

Adult size

15 cm (5.9 in)

Aquarium

120 L or bigger (32 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Bottom

Diet

Herbivore

Wild home

Fast streams of Thailand & Malaysia

Good to know

• Algae eater. Keeps algae under control.
• Hardy. Tolerates less-than-perfect water. Great for beginners.

Tank mates

Good company: Bala Shark, Black Skirt Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Cherry Barb, Dwarf Gourami, Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish, Ember Tetra, Fancy Guppy, Glowlight Tetra.

Eaten by: Asian Arowana, Motoro Stingray, Ornate Bichir, Oscar, Siamese Tigerfish.

Attacked by: Black Ghost Knifefish, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Celestial Pearl Danio, Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra, Pea Puffer.

Colours

• Classic common

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.