CheckMyFishTank

Siamese Algae Eater care

Crossocheilus oblongus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care

Siamese Algae Eater, painted illustration

A useful, active algae eater that is often confused with look alike fish.

Smallest tank50 gallons
Adult size5 inches
Temperature75 to 79°F
pH6.5 to 7.5
GroupA group of 5 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives5 to 10 years
Watch for: Check for the black stripe through the tail. Fakes are Chinese algae eaters or flying fox.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Algae, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Siamese Algae Eater in a 100 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Betta (Female)Betta (Male)Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBlue AcaraBlue GouramiBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant Rasbora

Do not mix with

  • White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Siamese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Siamese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
  • Discus: Discus and Siamese Algae Eater need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Siamese Algae Eater.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Siamese Algae Eater.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror is aggressive and will bully peaceful Siamese Algae Eater.
  • Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Siamese Algae Eater.
  • Cobalt Blue Zebra: Cobalt Blue Zebra is aggressive and will bully peaceful Siamese Algae Eater.

Questions

What size tank does a Siamese Algae Eater need?

At least 50 gallons for a group of 5. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Siamese Algae Eater like?

75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Siamese Algae Eater should I keep together?

Keep 5 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Siamese Algae Eater eat?

Algae, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, sinking pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.