Siamese Algae Eater Wild

Crossocheilus siamensis is the true Siamese algae eater from Thailand and Malaysia — not to be confused with the false Siamese algae eater (Garra cambodgiensis) or the Chinese algae eater. C. siamensis is notable as one of the very few aquarium fish that will actually consume brush algae (Audouinella), black beard algae, and Cladophora, making it genuinely valuable in planted tanks.

In nature, it inhabits moderate-current streams and rivers in the Chao Phraya and Mekong systems, often in schools. It grazes constantly on algae and periphyton attached to rocks, driftwood, and plant leaves. In the aquarium it is a tireless worker, maintaining leaf surfaces and hardscape free of problematic algae.

C. siamensis is peaceful and community-compatible. It grows to 14 cm and may outgrow nano tanks, making medium to large planted aquariums its ideal home. Young specimens are most effective at consuming algae; older fish may become lazy and less diligent.

Water: 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard — broad tolerance. Tank: 80+ L planted aquarium; schooling fish that benefits from being kept in groups of 3+. Feeding: algae in tank supplemented with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and sinking pellets. Breeding: not known to breed in aquariums; produced commercially via hormone injection. Compatibility: peaceful with virtually all community fish; will not harm plants or invertebrates.