Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Family: Cyprinidae • Origin: Southeast Asia
The Siamese Algae Eater is the only common fish that eats black beard algae (BBA). Essential for planted tank keepers battling BBA.
Min Tank
30 gal
Max Size
6"
Temperature
75-82°F
pH
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginnerherbivore
Care Tips
- • Only fish that eats black beard algae
- • Grows to 6 inches — needs space
- • May become lazy about algae with age
- • Avoid Chinese Algae Eater (different fish!)
- • Active swimmer — needs open space
Feeding: Algae (including black beard algae), blanched vegetables, algae wafers.
Compatibility Notes: Only true algae eater that eats black beard algae. Gets large — needs space. Can become less effective at algae as it ages.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 55 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 2/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- herbivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Only true algae eater that eats black beard algae. Gets large — needs space. Can become less effective at algae as it ages.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- very difficult
- Lifespan
- 10 years
Ideal For
30 gallonplanted tankalgae control
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
70-82°FpH 6-7.515+ gal
peacefulschooling 5+3"
