Species · GBIF taxon 2361970
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongusAlso known as SAE, Siamese Algae-Eater
Siamese algae eaters are streamlined, bottom-dwelling cyprinids that navigate fast-flowing tropical streams using their specialized mouthparts to graze on stubborn algae. They actively swim in loose groups along rocky riverbeds, perching directly on leaves or stones with their sturdy pectoral fins when resting. A continuous black lateral band running from snout to the tip of the tail fin distinguishes them from similar tropical loaches and minnows.
FreshwaterAquaticAlgae Eater
Licensed reference(c) -serwacy01-, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Red Algae
- Biofilm
- Aquatic Microinvertebrates
Predators
- Snakehead Fish
- Large Catfish
- Water Birds
ThreatsRiver damming, agricultural runoff, and overcollection for the aquarium trade
HabitatsFast-flowing streams, rivers, and seasonally flooded forests
Life span8–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCypriniformes
- FamilyCyprinidae
- GenusCrossocheilus
- SpeciesCrossocheilus oblongus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe in wild streams or home aquariums.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for their habit of resting directly on plant leaves or rocks using pectoral fins.
- Identification: Note the zig-zag edge of the black stripe extending completely through the tail fin.
- Aquarium Care: Provide well-oxygenated water with moderate current and dense aquatic plants.
Look-Alike Mirko Hartig / CC BY-SA 2.0 de · cc-by-sa
Look-Alike Julian Matz (talk). Original uploader was Jmatz at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Astellar87, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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