Siamese Algae Eater

Crossocheilus oblongus

One of the few fish that reliably eats black beard algae (BBA). A sleek, active bottom-dweller with a distinctive horizontal black stripe. Best in groups.

Care Parameters

Adult size

15 cm

Min tank

100 L

Temperature

22–26°C

6.5–7.5

5–12 dGH

Diet

Herbivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Bottom

Difficulty

Beginner

Schooling

Groups of 3 or more.

Suitable Plants

Rotala Macrandra

A stunning red stem plant that turns deep crimson-red under high light and CO₂. One of the most beautiful red aquarium plants. Requires soft, slightly acidic water.

Pogostemon stellatus

Care profile for Pogostemon stellatus: high light, high CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Anubias nana Petite

Care profile for Anubias nana Petite: low light, none CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Red Root Floater

A floating plant that develops striking red roots and reddish leaf undersides under high light. Provides shade and natural algae control. Breeding ground for fry.

Amazon Sword

Care profile for Amazon Sword: medium light, low CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Compatible Invertebrates

Zebra Nerite Snail

A striped, hard-working algae grazer that never overpopulates: its eggs are laid all over the glass but only hatch in brackish water, so they simply stay put. Prefers harder water (GH 6-20 dGH) with calcium for a healthy shell; watch for escapes, as it can climb out of open tanks.

Vampire Shrimp

A large, impressive freshwater shrimp with fan-like appendages used to filter feed from the current. Can grow up to 15 cm and requires strong water flow and clean, well-oxygenated water.

Golden Back Yellow Shrimp

A bright yellow color morph of Neocaridina davidi with a distinctive golden back stripe. Hardy, prolific breeder, and excellent algae consumer for planted tanks.

Blue Diamond Shrimp

A selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi with solid, opaque blue coloration. Hardy and easy to breed, making them popular for planted tanks.