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PEACEFUL AGGRESSIONbottom LAYERFreshwater

Siamese Algae Eater

ScientificCrossocheilus oblongus

SPECIMEN SERIALAQ-SPC-SIAMESE-ALGAE-EATERVERIFIED METRIC SHEET
Min Tank Volume
30GGallons / 114 LitersCheck Stocking Capacity →
Temp Envelope
75°-80°F24° - 27° Celsius
60°F90°F
Calculate Heater Wattage →
Acidity Envelope
6.5-7.5pH Scale Boundary
pH 5.0pH 9.0
Adult Specimen Size
6.0"Inches / 15.2 cm

Comprehensive Siamese Algae Eater Care Guide & Tank Setup

Providing proper Siamese Algae Eater care begins with establishing an environment that mimics their natural freshwater habitat. To guarantee optimal health, the minimum Siamese Algae Eater tank size should be at least 30 gallons. While some sources suggest smaller volumes, a larger tank provides water chemistry buffering and crucial swimming space.

Maintaining a stable water environment is critical. The ideal Siamese Algae Eater temperature envelope ranges from 75°F to 80°F (approx. 24°C to 27°C) with an acidity level strictly bounded between 6.5 and 7.5 pH. Fluctuations outside of these parameters can compromise their immune system.

💡 Substrate Selection Note: As a bottom-dwelling species, this fish interacts directly with the tank bed. Peaceful bottom dwellers prefer soft sand beds. Use our Aquarium Sand & Substrate Calculator to calculate the exact pounds or kg of substrate needed for their tank footprint.

Fish Food & Nutrition: Providing high-quality fish food for Siamese Algae Eater is vital to preserve their vivid colors and energy levels. Offer a varied diet consisting of high-protein tropical pellets or flakes, supplemented with live or frozen treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Husbandry & Care Profile: Provide a tank with a strong current and high oxygenation. They contribute a moderate bioload and are excellent at eating black beard algae.

⏳ Siamese Algae Eater Size & Lifespan Expectations

When planning your aquarium layout, understanding the expected Siamese Algae Eater size is critical. The average Siamese Algae Eater max size when fully grown reaches approximately 6.0 inches (approx. 15.2 cm). In some conditions, a particularly healthy, large specimen might grow slightly larger.

How long do they live? The typical Siamese Algae Eater lifespan averages around several years. Specifically, Expect a lifespan of about ten years. Their long lifespan makes them a staple helper in large planted aquariums. Maintaining excellent water parameters, high-quality nutrition, and low stress will help maximize their longevity.

🧬 Siamese Algae Eater Male vs Female Differences

Understanding sexual dimorphism is key for breeding projects and managing cohabitation. Comparing a Siamese Algae Eater male vs female or female vs male Siamese Algae Eater reveals clear biological and cosmetic differences.

Genders are identical, with no visible color or fin differences. Mature females are slightly broader and rounder than males.

Cohabitation & Breeding Notes: Can you put a female and male specimen together? Depending on their species behavior, housing female and male Siamese Algae Eater specimens in the same tank requires careful setup. For highly territorial species, keep them separated. For peaceful community fish, maintain a breeding ratio of multiple females to each male to distribute attention and reduce stress.

🐠 Compatible Siamese Algae Eater Tank Mates

Finding the right Siamese Algae Eater tank mates is key to maintaining a peaceful community. Can this species live with other fish? The answer depends on their aggression rating (peaceful).

They are peaceful and social, and can be kept individually or in groups of three to five. A group helps distribute minor territorial chasing.

When choosing companion fish, ensure they share similar temperature and pH requirements. Avoid housing them with slow-moving long-finned species if they are known fin-nippers, or with very large predatory fish that might view them as food. For a full compatibility breakdown, check the custom cross-checks and ideal matches listed on this page.

🎨 Popular Siamese Algae Eater Morphs & Varieties

In the aquarium trade, the Siamese Algae Eater has been bred selectively to showcase a variety of eye-catching color morphs, tail shapes, and patterns. Some of the most notable strains and varieties include:

Standard Siamese Algae EaterWild-type Siamese Algae EaterSelectively bred Siamese Algae Eater varieties

From deep blue and red shades to intricate koi, marble, or albino strains, choosing the right morph adds incredible visual character to your aquarium.

🏷️ Cost & Buying Guide

Are you looking to find a healthy Siamese Algae Eater for sale or ready to buy a Siamese Algae Eater online? Sourcing your fish from high-quality breeders is crucial to starting with healthy specimens.

Moderately priced, reflecting their utility as excellent cleanup crew members. The average price of a Siamese Algae Eater varies depending on the specific color morph, fins, and strain rarity. Common varieties are widely available and can easily be purchased for under $30. Rare import show-grade specimens can cost significantly more.

When searching for a supplier nearby, check their reviews and verify that their tanks are clean and free of diseases. Healthy specimens should be alert, active, and showing bright coloration with no signs of lethargy or clamped fins. Avoid purchasing "used" or neglected setups without sanitizing them thoroughly.

✨ Unique Siamese Algae Eater Name Ideas

Choosing a unique name for your new companion is one of the best parts of the hobby. Here are 5 unique, thematic Siamese Algae Eater names based on their biological traits:

  • 🐟Titan
  • 🐟Goliath
  • 🐟Colossus
  • 🐟Rex
  • 🐟Mammoth

📚 Media, Art & Aquarium Ornaments

Thanks to their popularity, Siamese Algae Eater are frequently referenced in books, movies & TV shows, and cast into art sculptures or figurines. In the hobby, they are a beloved subject for custom aquarium decor, photo prints, and artificial ornaments.

If you want to purchase species-specific aquarium decor for a Siamese Algae Eater, prioritize live plants, smooth river rocks, and clean driftwood. If you buy artificial resin ornaments, verify they have no sharp edges or narrow gaps that could trap or injure active fish.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Siamese Algae Eater live?

Expect a lifespan of about ten years. Their long lifespan makes them a staple helper in large planted aquariums.

What size tank does a Siamese Algae Eater need?

A Siamese Algae Eater requires a minimum tank size of 30 gallons (approx. 114 liters) to ensure proper swimming space and stable water parameters.

Can you put two Siamese Algae Eater together?

They are peaceful and social, and can be kept individually or in groups of three to five. A group helps distribute minor territorial chasing.

Can a Siamese Algae Eater live with other fish?

Yes, depending on their aggression level. The Siamese Algae Eater has a peaceful aggression level. In general, peaceful tank mates that share the same temperature (75°F to 80°F) and pH (6.5 to 7.5) requirements make the best cohabitants.

Depth Profile

Strata Column

bottom Layer
Top Zone
0-10" Depth
Mid Zone
10-20" Depth
Bottom Zone
Active

Specimen biology dictates water column placement. The Siamese Algae Eater primarily patrols the bottom zone, optimizing its ecological role and feeding strategies.

Ecosystem Bioload Footprint

2.0xWaste Factor

Larger values represent higher bio-waste output, requiring higher filtration volume.

Ideal Cohabitants32 verified

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

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Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

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Harlequin Rasbora

Trigonostigma heteromorpha

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Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

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Molly

Poecilia sphenops

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Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

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Kuhli Loach

Pangio semiperfecta

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Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

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Amano Shrimp

Caridina multidentata

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Nerite Snail

Vittina natalensis

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Clown Loach

Chromobotia macracanthus

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Bloodfin Tetra

Aphyocharax anisitsi

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Blue Platy Fish

Xiphophorus maculatus

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Rummynose Tetra

Hemigrammus rhodostomus

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Ember Tetra

Hyphessobrycon amandae

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Black Skirt Tetra

Gymnocorymbus ternetzi

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African Dwarf Frog

Hymenochirus boettgeri

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Bala Shark

Balantiocheilos melanopterus

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Caution Cohabitants8 flagged

Angelfish

Pterophyllum scalare

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Behavioral caution. Angelfish is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Tiger Barb

Puntigrus tetrazona

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Behavioral caution. Tiger Barb is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

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Behavioral caution. Dwarf Gourami is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
German Blue Ram

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi

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Behavioral caution. German Blue Ram is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Serpae Tetra

Hyphessobrycon eques

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Behavioral caution. Serpae Tetra is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Knight Goby Fish

Stigmatogobius sadanundio

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Behavioral caution. Knight Goby Fish is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Behavioral caution. Assassin Snail is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.
Behavioral caution. Apistogramma Hongsloi is semi-aggressive and may bully, chase, or nip the fins of the peaceful Siamese Algae Eater. Ensure the tank is large and heavily decorated.

Verified Compatibility Profiles for Siamese Algae Eater

Systematically explore algorithmic compatibility reports comparing the Siamese Algae Eater against other common freshwater species: