Species profile

Siamese Algae Eater

Crossocheilus langei

Common names: Siamese Algae Eater, SAE, Siamese Flying Fox, Gray Flying Fox

Recognized speciesSharks

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Adult size

Up to 15 cm

Countries of origin

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

A peaceful community tank with similar-sized fish
A mature, stable aquarium

Think carefully if

You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 5 or more
You cannot provide about 304 litres for a fully grown fish
Your tank is newly set up
You keep shrimp you want to protect

The best-known algae-eating fish for planted tanks, a slim fish with a dark stripe that runs through the tail. Keep a group of at least 5 in 304 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

The best-known algae-eating fish for planted tanks, a slim fish with a dark stripe that runs through the tail. It grows to about 15 cm, so it needs a long tank with strong flow, and several near-identical fish are sold under this name.

Several near-identical fish are sold under this name. True Siamese Algae Eaters have a dark stripe that runs through the tail fin, and no flap at the corner of the mouth.

Females are often rounder. Males of some species develop bumps on the snout.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter: About 1,220–1,520 litres an hour
Suggested heater: About 300–450 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume: 304 litres
Minimum tank length: 150 cm
Minimum group size: 5
Recommended group size: 8
Activity level: Active
Flow preference: High
Planting preference: Lightly planted
Hiding places: Yes
Lid recommended: Yes
Jumping risk: Moderate

Use smooth rocks and pebbles, strong flow and plenty of oxygen, as it comes from fast-flowing streams. A tight lid helps too.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A busy grazer that works over rocks and glass, and often squabbles harmlessly with its own kind.

Keep a small group where the tank allows.

Can chase others of its kind, without much damage.

Suits a cool, well-oxygenated stream setup with fish that like similar conditions. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature: 20–26 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 1–15
Stability importance: Very important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable.

Parameter caveat

Add this fish only to a mature, fully cycled tank, and keep up regular water changes.

Feeding

Diet types: Aufwuchs Grazer, Omnivore
Feeding frequency: Daily
Preferred foods: Spirulina or algae wafersShould make up much of the diet.
Blanched vegetablesCourgette, cucumber and peas work well. Remove leftovers within a day.
Small frozen foodsAn occasional addition for protein.

Grazes on algae and biofilm, and readily takes prepared foods.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type: Egg Scatterer
Breeding difficulty: Moderate
Parental care: None
Baby foods: InfusoriaNeeded for the first days, because most fry are very small.
Newly hatched brine shrimpIntroduce as soon as the fry can take it.

An egg scatterer with no parental care. Adults eat eggs and fry, so use a separate tank with fine plants, moss or mesh on the bottom, and remove the adults after spawning. The fry need very small foods at first.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Thailand
Natural habitat: Freshwater Stream
Audience level: Intermediate

Classification

Profile type: Recognized species
Genus: Crossocheilus
Family: Cyprinidae
Species group: Fish, Sharks
Previous scientific names: Crossocheilus oblongus, Name also used in the hobby., Crossocheilus siamensis, Name also used in the hobby.

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Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

Think carefully if

Appearance and Identification

Tank Requirements

Behaviour and Tankmates

Water Parameters

Feeding

Breeding

Habitat and Origin

Classification

Have you kept this species?

Other Sharks

Silver Flying Fox

True Flying Fox

Albino Rainbow Shark

Bala Shark

Guides for keeping this fish

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