About Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese Algae Eater is the most effective algae-eating fish for freshwater aquariums, renowned for its ability to eat Black Beard Algae (BBA) when other fish won't touch it. Native to Southeast Asia, these active fish have a distinctive black stripe running the length of their silver body with clear fins. Unlike Chinese Algae Eaters or Flying Fox, the true Siamese Algae Eater is peaceful and stays effective at eating algae throughout its life. They are one of the few proven solutions for BBA infestations.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Siamese Algae Eaters need space to graze and some current.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons
  • Driftwood and rocks (algae growth surfaces)
  • Moderate to strong flow
  • Plants okay
  • Open swimming space

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Moderate (5-15 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Primarily herbivorous:

  • Algae: Natural food (let it grow!)
  • Algae wafers
  • Vegetables: zucchini, cucumber, spinach
  • Occasional protein: frozen foods

Note: If overfed with prepared foods, they may stop eating algae.

Identification (Very Important)

True Siamese Algae Eater vs. look-alikes:

True SAE:

  • Clear/clear fins
  • Black stripe extends through tail
  • Non-aggressive
  • Eats BBA throughout life

Flying Fox:

  • Yellowish fins
  • Fuzzy black stripe, doesn’t extend through tail
  • More aggressive
  • Stops eating algae as adult

Chinese Algae Eater:

  • Sucker mouth
  • No stripe or different pattern
  • Aggressive, sucks on fish
  • Not recommended

False SAE:

  • Various species sold as SAE
  • Research before buying

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful but active:

  • Schooling: Keep 3-6 for best behavior
  • Peaceful: Good community fish
  • Active: Constantly grazing
  • Territorial: May chase other algae eaters

Good Tank Mates:

  • Any peaceful community fish
  • Other algae eaters if plenty of space

Avoid:

  • Other territorial bottom dwellers
  • Chinese Algae Eaters

Algae Eating Abilities

  • Black Beard Algae: Only fish that consistently eats BBA
  • Hair algae: Will eat
  • Green algae: Grazes constantly
  • Diatoms: Eats readily
  • Effective lifespan: Eats algae throughout entire life

Breeding

Not bred in home aquariums:

  • Commercial breeding
  • Egg scatterers
  • Difficult to sex

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Peaceful Community Fish
🐠 Tetras
🐠 Rasboras
🐠 Gouramis