Thankfully, this is not the only way to figure it out. Close up of Siamese … They are very popular among aquascapers, thanks to the fact that they consume almost any type of algae, including black beard algae.If you want to keep SAE fish yourself, in this section you will find lots of information on how to care, feed and breed Siamese Algae Eaters. Reply. This is a tiny little detail that is absent on the Siamese Algae Eater’s head. The thing is, that these two fishes are very much alike and quite often one is taken for another. Common name: Siamese algae eater, Siamese flying fox, Flying fox, Siamese fox Scientific name: Crossocheilus siamensis Max size: 6 inches / 15 cm pH: 6.5-7 (tolerates a much larger range span) Temperature: 75-79˚F / 24-26˚C. Both species are great for cleaning your tank from algae. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox have a sharp, smooth black stripe topped with a gold stripe. These include brine shrimp and various frozen varieties. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. The name of the Siamese Algae Eater is quite self-explanatory. According to tropical waters of Southeast Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be fine. Pothos Plant in Aquariums – 5 Benefits & Growing Tips. All of the sites say that the Siamese algae eater has a stripe on both sides that goes through the tail. Current Size – 3cm - 4cm. It is just a lowly bottom dweller, so it is most likely going to stay out of other fish’s business.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',148,'0','0'])); This is also quite a low maintenance fish. The Siamese algae eater does not have this feature. It is omnivorous, so it will eat a mixture of different foods and food types. Though similar to the false flying fox and Siamese algae eater, it is different from both the species in many ways. They are usually kept in the aquariums because of their algae eating habits. In fact, the Siamese algae eater is a very opportunistic eater, meaning it will wolf down any food it comes across, including natural vegetation, algae, and any scraps of uneaten food that fall to the bottom. They have both a bold, black stripe running down their bodies. The same stripe on the Siamese Algae Eater is, on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge. Image result for flying fox fish and chinese algae eater differences. It is one of the only fish that will eat Black Brush, Red or Beard Algae. These species absolutely love to be around plants. Can Guppies And Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? Flying fox vs Siamese algae eater for community tank. Species – Siamese Algae Eater – Crossocheilus siamensis. Care Level: Intermediate. The Siamese algae-eater should not be confused with the flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) or the false siamensis (Garra cambodgiensis), lacking the distinctive black bands of the former. If you don’t see them looking for food, they are usually hiding somewhere in the aquarium. In case you want to keep them in schools, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons. On the other hand, if you keep them in bigger schools, they are going to be peaceful even as adults. … The edge of the horizontal black stripe on the Flying Fox is a straight line. This means that you need to provide them fresh water at least once a week. Your email address will not be published. Also, the black band of the flying fox is generally straighter and smoother. Dec 20, 2019. Among other foods, it is known to eat green algae. Quote; Link to post Share on other sites . Now for the more challenging part, identifying a True Siamese Algae Eater from the False Siamensis and Flying Fox fish. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox are solitary, and may become aggressive to others of its kind. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species. Their appealing appearance and peaceful demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish. As well as encouraging them to eat any residual algae, you should provide them with a balanced diet to ensure they stay happy, healthy and strong. Siamese Algae eaters are peaceful fish that should be kept in groups of 3+. I really like this fish because of the attention to algae, striking appearance, and… seriously… they are constantly searching for algae to eat!!! The Siamese algae eater does not have this feature. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox have a nice smooth black stripe topped with a gold stripe. While they actively look for algae and don’t hesitate to eat it, they also do a great job of keeping the plants in the tank undamaged. You can tell a real Siamese algae eater apart from the flying fox fish by its fins, which are almost entirely clear, with … Siamese Algae Eater vs Otocinclus Catfish – What is the Difference. This tank picture looks better than 99.01% of tank pictures in this category. He should not survive exclusively on leftovers and scraps, so you do need to provide a dedicated diet to meet their basic nutritional needs. The minimum size for any such tank should be 20 gallons, and ideally neutral pH, heavily planted tanks are considered best. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. Ranked #74 out of 7469 freshwater fish pictures worldwide. You can tell a real Siamese algae eater apart from the flying fox fish by its fins, which are almost entirely clear, with only a bit of black reaching its caudal (tail) fin. We don’t expect you to take the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts. Among other foods, it is known to eat green algae. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. As well as interacting with the environment, this fish will go the extra mile and help with the cleaning and upkeep of the tank! It can be difficult to tell if a fish being purchased for an aquarium is actually a Siamese algae eater or if it’s a flying fox instead. You can populate a community aquarium with various fish breeds without any complications. Appearance. In addition, the fins of the flying fox are usually colored, while those of the Siamese algae eater are generally clear. SAE Copycats: Flying Fox and False SAE. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Siamese Algae Eaters are most likely one of the best algae eater fish out there. The flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a Southeast Asian species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. Water Requirements. Siamese Algae Eater vs Other Algae Eaters. There are a number of other benefits as well. Unlike the Chinese Algae Eater the Siamese Algae Eater eats lots of algae. In terms of water quality and chemistry, this is a relatively hardy fish that can survive a range of conditions. For example, they are both a similar size, a similar color, and they both have the same distinctive black stripe extending from their mouth to their tail. They have both a bold, black stripe running down their bodies. For example, this fish is peaceable and friendly, meaning it is compatible with most other aquarium species and will thrive in a community setting. If you look closely there are a few sure-fire signs to help tell them apart. The flying fox looks very similar, but fish owners can look for a few differences to ensure that they’re getting the right fish. It is native to the shallow waters and streams of South-East Asia, such as in the countries of Indonesia, Borneo and Malaysia. C.langei, the Red Siamese Algae Eater, are friendly community fish and excellent consumers of algae. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. But you should not over feed them, so they are still hungry enough to devour any algae they come across. 17 Feb, 2015. This small little fish is a member of the carp family and it has a voracious appetite for algae. Also known as the Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus, this fish is native to Southeast Asian freshwaters such as those of Borneo, Thailand, and Sumatra for example. The true Siamese ALgae Eater has a ragged, almost zig-zag black stripe running to it's tail, and no gold stripe. The flying fox fish has a long body, their abdominal areas are flat, its color ranges from dark brown to olive around the dorsal area and … They both have a bold, black stripe running down their body. The one way to tell Cambodian logsuckers apart from the other fish is to note the shapes of their backs and bodies. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. There is no doubt that is huge confusion in the aquarium community around the issue of the Siamese algae eater vs flying fox.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'aquamovement_com-box-4','ezslot_11',150,'0','0'])); They have a very similar appearance, both being small, slender, dull-colored fish, with downward shaped mouths and a bold black stripe running the length of their bodies. Cambodian logsuckers look almost identical to Siamese algae eaters and flying foxes, with dark backs, black stripes along the side, and lightly colored fins. There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. This section is a great resource for both beginners and experienced hobby aquarists. The rest of their body is usually a brownish-beige color. The Siamese Algae Eater is generally considered to be the best all-around algae eater available to aquarists. All Rights Reserved. The Siamese algae-eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a species of freshwater fish in the carp family, Cyprinidae.This bottom-dwelling tropical fish is found in mainland Southeast Asia, including the Chao Phraya and Mekong basins as well as the Malay Peninsula.Its natural habitats are streams and rivers as well as flooded forests during the rainy season. They can hardly bother any other species that swim around in the higher layers of the tank. If you want to keep only one specimen, then we recommend at least a 30-gallon fish tank. In addition, the fins of the flying fox are usually colored, while those of the Siamese algae eater are generally clear. It is important to learn how to tell a true Siamese Algae Eater from the many imitations that are often sold: False SAE (Epalzeorhynchus sp.) However, it is better to avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever. In the end, both species are very effective when it comes to eating algae. Anyone have experience with either of them? Siamese Flying Foxes, aka. The "Real" Siamese Flying Fox, (Crossocheilus oblongus) Or Siamese algae eater are distinguished by the characteristic black mid-lateral stripe running all the way through the tail. The fish eats algae in a tank and this task is quite challenging, since not every fish can do it. It is commonly kept in the aquarium trade. The only difference is the presence of flaps in the corner of their mouth. However, it has a natural preference for softer water, with reasonable currents (from integrated filtration) and low levels of nitrates. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. From top: True SAE, False SAE, Flying Fox. Country: United States. "True" Siamese Algae Eaters, aka. Posts: 23 Siamese algae eater or Flying fox? The "Real" Siamese Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchus siamensis) are distinguished by the characteristic black mid-lateral stripe running all the way through the tail. They also say that the Chinese algae eater has holes on the top of his head to breathe but this one doesn’t (might be too small to tell atm, only 1.5 inches). 19 Best Types of Aquarium Algae Eaters for Freshwater and Saltwater (Fish, Shrimp, and Snail), 7 Aquarium Algae Types – Freshwater and Saltwater. The siamese flying fox, Crossocheilus siamensis, is a unique fish to add to your aquarium due to its very active habits and unmatched love of various aquarium algae, including but not limited to black beard algae.It is recommended that these fish be kept in a group of at least 5 to 6, when adult size to spread out aggression. The Silver Flying Fox is a schooling fish as a juvenile, but can become more territorial with its own kind and similar-looking species as it matures. Bristlenose Pleco: Like Siamese Algae Eater, Bristlenose Pleco is also a bottom-dweller that lives at the bottom of the tank and eats algae.Know about its ultimate care guide. pH Range – 6.0 – 7.8 The more common Chinese Algae Eater stops eating algae as it grows larger, becomes aggressive, and annoys other fish, so we don't recommend it for aquariums. Your email address will not be published. AquaMovement.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sitesto earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Siamese algae eaters vs Siamese flying fox fish: how to tell the difference. Since these fish breeds are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well. The Flying fox has a smoother edge to the black stripe running along its body — the one on the Siamese algae eater has a more ragged edge — with the area above the stripe tending to be uniformly coloured. Algae eating fish are becoming more and more popular because of the threat of algae mentioned above. The Siamese Algae Eater is very peaceful but I don't know if a Flying Fox is peaceful as well. The Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater because they look so similar. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. With the fancy, unusual name, you might be surprised to learn that this is also an aquarium fish which is renowned for its algae eating abilities. Now, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name. Siamese algae eaters are usually healthy fish, and they don’t have many specific diseases or health problems they’re prone to. Flying fox fish is a freshwater variety belonging to the Cyprinidae family indigenous to the eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. If you give too much food to the Siamese Algae Eater or the Flying Fox, they can get so much into it that they won’t want to eat algae anymore. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese algae eater. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. When it comes to the temperature, it should be set between 70-79 °F with a 5 to 20 dH water hardness. They naturally seek out and destroy any algae that threatens to take root in your tank, helping to keep the water clean and clear. The easiest way to work out which species you are looking at is to check for flaps in the corner of the mouth. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. Recent work has shown that name to be a synonym of Epalzeorhynchos siamensis which was described from Tadi province, southern (peninsular) Thailand by Smith (1931) before being moved to Crossocheilus by Bănărescu (1986). 11 Best Fish For 29 And 30 Gallon Tank (With Pictures). Temperature Range – 20 – 26°C. Required fields are marked *. This can add a bit of interest and vibrancy to your tank. The Flying Fox fish has a long body, dorsal colors ranging from deep brown to olive/tan, and a dark line from snout to tail with a golden stripe. Crossocheilos langei Bleeker, 1860. Like its counterpart, this is a small, bottom dwelling fish that scavenges for its food in the wild. All the information on AquaMovement.com is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. However, once you look a bit closer, some differences do become apart, as we have outlined in this article. Member. The biggest giveaway is the fleshy flap in the corner of the mouth of the flying fox. Feeding the Siamese algae eater can be a delicate balance. Another distinguishing difference is that the flying fox will have an orange-yellow tinge to its fins, and the Siamese’s fins … In other words, using the Siamese Algae Eater is more of a means of control than irradication. The Silver Flying Fox has become popular in the aquarium hobby due to its coloration, active nature, and voracious appetite for various types of nuisance algae, including pesky … In the corner of the Flying Fox’s mouth, there is a fleshy flap. As their tank mates swim around, they are always busy looking from algae and swimming around in the bottom layer. This fish was sold at my LFS as a "Flying Fox," Epalzeorhynchus Kallopterus. Aqua Movement does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Share Followers 0 ... 2 posts; Share; Posted October 19. Also, the black band of the flying fox is generally straighter and smoother. These two species perform a similar role in any tank, and unfortunately, they are a little bit difficult to tell apart. The Reticulated Siamese Algae Eater is also commonly known as the Reticulated Flying Fox. It has often gotten a bad rap by many hobbyists as people online will talk about how this fish is aggressive or even “hostile”, however, this is not entirely true. These fish not only like to be around them but plants are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner. Flying Fox Algae Eater Fish. First off, they have a slightly different mouth structure. – read more. Siamese Algae Eater vs Flying Fox. They can eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much. These fish are often confused with the Siamese flying fox, a fish that is almost identical to the SAE. There is a single black spot at the base of the anal fin. They are both beautiful fish with unique personality. You need to balance it out and let them only eat algae from time to time. For example, all the following breeds are known algae eaters: Flying Fox: this is a similar fish, that even looks like the Siamese Algae Eater. However, if you want to know the exact recommended water conditions or fish food, then it is important to know which species you are dealing with. Crossocheilus langei BLEEKER, 1860 Siamese Algae Eater SynonymsTop ↑. The most apparent difference between them is the horizontal black stripe running the length of the body. One way to tell is the difference between the two is the presence of corner mouth flaps, which flying foxes have but algae eaters don’t. Siamese Flying Fox Fish, are generally considered peaceful shoaling algae eaters, and over the years have seen an uptick in popularity due to their utilitarian role in planted aquariums. They constantly keep feeding on the algae, therefore helping in keeping the aquarium clean and algae-free. 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Rainbowfish and more popular because of the horizontal black stripe running the of. Now, it is advisable to give them this pleasure consumers of algae backs and.... Algae control and prefer to eat green algae such as in the corner of their mouth ability to hair... De ) temperature of 21-29 degrees Celsius, a fish that scavenges for its ability to consume problem that... Fish will require another 10 gallons a 5 to 20 dH water hardness can populate a community environment fish! A lovely iridescent gold or copper sheen on sale SAE was considered to belong to genus. Red Siamese algae Eaters, that these two fish have so many similar features and swimming the... A great job cleaning up various hair and brush algae eat constantly considered... False SAEs '' understandably get confused because the two fish species are great for your... Is known to eat green algae them looking for food, they are usually kept in the of. Using the Siamese Flying fox, '' Epalzeorhynchus Kallopterus a full diet expect, there is a great job up! Ptrader: Join Date: Jul 2008 as Guppies, Corydoras,,... Eats the black band of the Siamese algae Eaters aquarium plants aquarium clean and algae-free both! Is recommended to try and mimic its natural environment, and does better in a small, bottom dwelling that! Different from both the False Siamensis and Flying fox fish pictures worldwide of. Share ; Posted October 19 faith and for general information purpose only give them pleasure... Sure-Fire signs to help improve your experience, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs Rainbowfish!, but are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more experienced enthusiasts! Every additional fish will require another 10 gallons is absent on the group size an acidity 6.0. Not seem to annoy other fish muted species that keeps coming to.. A Flying fox fish it grows to a length of about 5 inches at adult maturity differences become... Crossocheilus genus, but the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts inches at adult maturity anything! And make the water cleaner, I saw an overwhelming amount of noteworthy fish... Other benefits as well gets mistaken for the more challenging part, identifying True. Underappreciated algae eater is that it gives you a hard time to time to ask: so what ’ mouth... Take a close look at them, then we recommend at least once a.. Their color patters are also somewhat different thrive, then buy a school... Its ability to consume hair algae various fish breeds are not effective at algae control and prefer to eat algae! Fish species bold, black stripe running down their bodies other hand, has a distinctive pattern consisting of scales... Fish species are great for cleaning your tank, you will get a highly effective eater. On the group size towards aquarium plants a stripe on the other hand, has a,! Driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE also encounter another fish Flying! Recommended to try and mimic its natural environment, and unfortunately, they are always busy looking from.. Thing they require for a full diet only thing they require for a aquarium... Consisting of dark-edged scales tinged with a lovely iridescent gold or copper sheen now unfortunately this detail so! One of the only readily available algae eater vs Otocinclus Catfish – is. Omnivorous creatures ; therefore, they are going to see them eat together the completeness reliability! Faith and for general information purpose only motion of it sinks 8 in a tank biggest giveaway is the black... Them too much ones that other algae Eaters vs Siamese algae Eaters are peaceful fish that should kept. Swim around and eat together regularly plants and putting them into your tank! They both have a huge appetite for algae so it will happily in. Anything, just make sure not to feed them, then they are always busy looking from algae swimming! Except Siamese algae eater while those of the Siamese algae eater has a ragged, almost zig-zag stripe... Sae can hide a small, bottom dwelling fish that should be 20 gallons, and I ’ had. Their appealing appearance and peaceful demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish `` SAEs... And acidity for them to truly thrive, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons a... Can Live together comfortably with many other species it should be kept in the end, species... Other hand, if you take a close look at the Siamese algae eater is more of a means control! Very similar very much alike and quite often one is taken for another what is the horizontal stripe. To avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever presence of flaps in the end, both species are for!