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Siamese algae
eaters, Crossocheilus
siamensis, belong to the family Cyprinidae
more commonly referred to as the carp family. These
bottom-dwelling algae eaters are not to be confused with the Chinese
algae
eater or plecostomus, two other popular varieties of algae eaters among
freshwater aquarium owners. The Siamese
algae eater is indigenous to the main lands of Southeast Asia including
the
Mekong and Chao Phraya
River Basins.
They
inhabit streams and rivers and will spread into flooded out lowland
jungle
areas of the Malay
Peninsula during the
rainy
season.
Siamese
algae eater
are a medium sized member of the carp family. These fish generally
reach a
maximum adult length of 6 inches in an aquarium setting. They have
slender
torpedo shaped bodies with transparent fins. These fish have silver
color
palettes with a single horizontal stripe beginning in front of their
eyes and
terminating at the base of the caudal fin. Siamese algae eaters have a
double
set of barbels. Barbles are a distinguishing characteristic of the carp
family. Siamese algae eaters are
also marketed
under the aquarium trade
names Indian algae eater, Siamese
headbreather, sucker
loach, sucking loach, and biforated carp.
Siamese algae eaters
make excellent additions to a community tank. They have peaceful
temperaments
and quite frequently ignore the activities of fish in the upper levels
of your
tank. They should not, however, be housed with fish with long, flowing
fins
like angelfish and bettas. They are reputed fin nippers. Unlike many
bottom
dwelling species, the Siamese algae eater exhibits no sign of
territorial
aggression toward conspecifics. Multiples will school together in home
aquariums. It is in fact recommended that these fish be raised in
schools. They
have a particular affinity to broad leafed aquarium plants and will
frequently
be found resting atop of them, especially when they are younger. Adult
fish are
more prone to rest on the aquarium substrate. These fish will require a
minimum
tank size of 25 gallons. The average
lifespan of a Siamese algae eater
is 5-7
years but they have been documented to live as long as 10 years.
Siamese
algae eaters are technically omnivores but lean quite far toward the
herbivore side of the spectrum. The algae growth in your aquarium alone
will
not provide an adequate foods source. Sinking food wafers and algae
pellets or
dried algae sheets will help insure they receive enough food to keep
them
healthy and full of vigor.
Siamese
algae
eaters will readily nibble at green leafy vegetables like lettuce and
spinach.
These make excellent supplemental food items.
This
is a hardy species that can
adapt to a multitude of living conditions. It is, however, only prudent
to
provide you with what would be considered premium water parameters for
this
species. These
fish thrive in softer
water with a neutral to slightly acid ph factor. A pH level anywhere in
the
range of 5.5-8.0 is considered ideal. They prefer water temperatures
between 75-
79˚F. Well circulated water with plenty of flow and a high oxygen
content will
simulate their natural habitat.
The
males and females of this species look very similar in appearance.
Females
tend to be a little more rounded than males. This species rarely breeds
in home
aquariums. Their seems to be no information available as to whether or
not
these fish are commercially bred to supply the demand created from the
fish
hobby trade, which would tend to indicate that they are not.
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