Fishician®Diet
Herbivore – algae (including difficult thread/black beard algae), algae wafers, blanched vegetables, quality sinking pellets
Aquarium species profile
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus · Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia — Chao Phraya and Mekong basins)
Minimum tank30 gal
Adult size6"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Temperature75–79°F
pH range6.0–8.0
Compatible tank mates
Almost any peaceful community fish, planted tank inhabitants
Tank mates to avoid
Aggressive species that will stress it
Care notes
One of the few fish that will genuinely eat Black Beard Algae (BBA) — highly valued in planted tanks. Often confused with Flying Fox (look for a single straight black stripe with no gold border). Active, fast swimmer. Gets large and may become less interested in algae as it matures.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.