Siamese Algae Eater

Crossocheilus siamensis, the True Siamese Algae Eater (SAE), is the gold standard of algae-eating fish for planted aquariums. Unlike many algae-eaters it actively consumes black brush algae (BBA), red algae, and thread algae — the most difficult algae to eradicate by other means. Active, fast, and constantly grazing, it is harmless to plants. Best kept in groups of 3–5 in larger planted tanks. Commonly confused with false SAEs (Garra cambodgiensis) in the trade; the true SAE has a continuous, unbroken lateral stripe extending through the tail fin.

Groups of 3+. Temperature 24–26 °C, soft to medium water. Feed algae-based foods supplemented with sinking pellets and blanched vegetables. Peaceful with all community fish. One of the very few effective BBA treatments. Planted tank essential.