Do Siamese Algae Eaters really eat black beard algae (BBA)?

Yes, they are widely considered one of the most effective natural consumers of black beard algae, particularly when they are young. However, they may ignore it if they are overfed with regular fish food.

How do I tell a true Siamese Algae Eater from a Flying Fox?

A true Siamese Algae Eater has a jagged black stripe that extends all the way through its transparent tail fin. The Flying Fox has a smooth-edged stripe that stops at the base of the tail, topped with a distinctive golden band, and features colourful fins.

Why has my Siamese Algae Eater stopped eating algae?

This is almost always due to overfeeding with standard aquarium foods. Like most animals, they will preferentially choose an easy, tasty meal of fish flakes or pellets over tough algae if given the choice.

Can I keep just one Siamese Algae Eater?

Yes, they are perfectly content living as a solitary specimen in a community tank. If you wish to keep more, it is best to keep a group of at least five to naturally diffuse any mild territorial bickering among themselves.

Do Siamese Algae Eaters bother other fish?

They are generally very peaceful. However, large, older individuals have occasionally been known to try and suck the slime coat off slow-moving, flat-sided fish like Discus or Angelfish if they are lacking nutrition.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Siamese Algae Eater

Crossocheilus langei

A highly active and industrious algae grazer, the true Siamese Algae Eater is uniquely prized by aquarists for its insatiable appetite for stubborn black beard algae.

List this species for sale Find Siamese Algae Eater near me

Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 27 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 14 – 15 cm
120L minimum for a small group: 120 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivore with a strong herbivorous preference; grazes on algae (including black beard algae) and biofilm, supplemented with sinking wafers and blanched vegetables.
Water flow: Moderate to strong
Preferred setup: Riverine setup with smooth boulders, driftwood, and robust plants like Anubias or Java Fern. A tight-fitting lid is essential.

About the Siamese Algae Eater

The true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus langei) is arguably the most effective algae-consuming fish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Often confused with the Flying Fox or the False SAE, this sleek, torpedo-shaped cyprinid is distinguished by a jagged black horizontal stripe that extends fully through to the tip of its transparent tail fin. As energetic swimmers, they constantly patrol the substrate, plant leaves, and décor, making them both an entertaining focal point and a utilitarian powerhouse for the planted tank.

Find Siamese Algae Eater

Search current listings in your chosen area. If none are available, save an alert and we’ll let you know when a match is listed.

Find locally Check compatibility Add to a Setup

Availability alerts only use public sale listings. Adding this species to a Setup updates your private records.

Is it right for your tank?

Check Siamese Algae Eater against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Siamese Algae Eater comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula, Greater Sunda Islands

Countries / regions

Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand

Habitat

Fast-flowing, highly oxygenated rivers and streams with rocky substrates and submerged driftwood exposed to sunlight.

Much of the commercially traded stock originates from large-scale breeding farms rather than wild collection.

Similar species

Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
False Siamese Algae Eater
Garra cambodgiensis
Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Reticulated Flying Fox
Crossocheilus reticulatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Rummy-nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Peaceful, active mid-water swimmers that will not compete for bottom territory or food.
Great
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Placid bottom dwellers that peacefully co-exist alongside grazing Siamese Algae Eaters.
Great
Pearl Gourami
Trichopodus leerii
A calm, top-dwelling species that remains completely detached from the energetic activities of the algae eater.
Great
Discus
Symphysodon spp.
Older Siamese Algae Eaters may occasionally attempt to graze on the nutrient-rich slime coats of large, slow-moving fish.
Compatible with caution
Flying Fox
Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus
Strikingly similar in appearance; keeping them together often triggers intense territorial disputes.
Compatible with caution
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Large, predatory cichlids will easily view a juvenile Siamese Algae Eater as a snack.
Not recommended
Chinese Algae Eater
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Becomes highly aggressive and territorial with age, inevitably clashing violently with other bottom-dwelling grazers.
Not recommended

Current marketplace listings

Checking the marketplace…

See all Siamese Algae Eater listings

Public Wanted requests

No open requests for Siamese Algae Eater in this market yet.

Looking for Siamese Algae Eater?

Search current listings near you, or post a wanted request so local sellers know what you’re looking for.

Search Siamese Algae Eater listings Post a wanted request