Siamese Algae Eater Loach Crossocheilus Oblongus 5cm

Overview

The Siamese Algae Eater is a slim, silvery cyprinid with a bold black stripe from snout to tail tip, famous for eating black brush algae that other fish ignore. It comes from flowing forest streams in Thailand, Malaysia and Borneo. It suits medium to large community tanks where it can live in a group with room to roam.

• Adult Size: Around 15 cm (6 in)
• Lifespan: 8–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra
• Habitat: Flowing forest streams over boulders, gravel and sunken wood

Feeding

• Diet: Herbivorous algae and biofilm grazer
• Preferred Foods: Algae, spirulina pellets, algae wafers, blanched courgette, spinach, peas
• Feeding Habits: Feed daily but sparingly; too much protein reduces algae grazing and causes obesity

Tank Mates

• Best with: Peaceful barbs, rasboras, tetras, corydoras, loaches, rainbowfish, gouramis
• Avoid: Red-tailed sharks, flying foxes, aggressive cichlids

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and active, constantly on the move
• Territoriality: Weaker individuals bullied in small groups; keep six or more

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
• Challenges: Needs oxygen-rich, clean water and space; often mislabelled or confused with lookalikes

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, neutral to slightly acidic
• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 1–15 dGH
• Flow: Moderate to strong
• Tank Size: Minimum 300 litres; 150 cm footprint for a group of six

Final Notes

This is not a loach but a fast-growing cyprinid that reaches a substantial size and is far more settled in a shoal, so allow for a group in a long tank. It is an accomplished jumper and needs a tight lid. Look for the stripe running right to the end of the tail, which separates it from the flying fox. Keep the tank clean and well oxygenated and it will graze busily for years.