Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese Algae Eater is a well-known freshwater fish prized for its ability to clean aquariums by eating various types of algae, including stubborn black beard algae which not many other fish eat. It has a sleek, silver-gray body with a solid black horizontal stripe running from nose to tail.

Key Care Points:

• Behavior & Swimming: Peaceful and very active. Best kept singly or in small groups of 3 or more (to prevent territorial disputes). Constantly grazes surfaces and actively swims along the bottom and mid-levels of the tank.

• Tank Requirements: Needs open swimming space and driftwood or plants to rest on. Prefers a soft sand or smooth gravel substrate/ aquasoil since it spends much of its time near the bottom. 

• Diet: Primarily herbivorous but opportunistic. Eats algae, sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and will take protein foods occasionally.

• Lifespan: Typically 8–10 years in good care.

• Growth Rate: Moderate; juveniles grow steadily and reach half their adult size within the first year.

The Siamese Algae Eater is one of the best natural algae control fish for community aquariums.

The is some degree of confusion even among proffessionals regarding the different species of SAE's and their characteristics. Despite being famed for their algae eating capabilities, SAE's may not always eat algae, its sort of like a hit or miss between individuals but when they do they're the best at it. Keep this in mind when purchasing these fish.