Family: Cyprinidae
Distribution: Crossocheilus siamensis, commonly known as the Siamese Algae-eater, inhabits lower areas of streams and rivers. It is distributed throughout Asia, specifically in the Mekong, Xe Bangfai and Chao Phraya basins, and throughout the Malay Peninsula.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 24°C – 26°C (75 – 79F)
Hardness: 5 – 20 dH
Description: Crossocheilus siamensis can reach a maximum of 16 cm in an aquarium. This species is not exceptionally attractive or distinguished – it has transparent fins and a black longitudinal strip on its sides. Females are up to 30 per cent larger than males, but still measure the same length. Apart from this, Crossocheilus siamensis is quite a difficult species to sex.
Diet: This species is a genuine omnivore. It will accept dried foods, meaty foods, catfish pellets, and algae wafers – basically anything. This species is a classic algae eater and will even eat hair algae: a type of algae that many fish don’t bother with.
Breeding: The Siamese Algae-eater is very difficult to breed in captivity and there has been no real successful documentation as yet. In the wild, this species spawn near plants and males fertilise the eggs.
Comments: Crossocheilus siamensis need plenty of space in which to swim, and a tank size of around 40 gallons for four adults. This species will dwell around the middle-bottom region of your tank. Provide plenty of vegetation and rockwork to simulate its natural environment. This is a very sociable species, excellent in a community tank, and is therefore suitable for beginners.
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Recommended Compatible Species: The Siamese Algae-eater is a very peaceful species, but males may occasionally flare up at each other. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
