Largest Siamese algae eater you have seen?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
mattybecks

mattybecks

Aimara
MFK Member
Feb 21, 2012
751
730
130
35
Dubai, UAE
Hi guys,
I was wondering what is the largest Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) you have seen?

The internet says 15cm (6 inches). But I have never seen them this big before. Not even pics or videos of them that large. Are they really slow growers?
I have a school of 15 in my 180gal, they are really delightful fish to own. Very personable, interesting behavior, and each time I have to put my arm in the tank, they rush at me, sucking and nibbling on my skin.

I would like to add in a few more for a larger school (adding an extra 5 - 7) but I don't want to over stock, if they really do reach 15cm.

I have 15 x silver dollars and 7 x geophagus Tapajos in the 180gal with them. Aqaadvisors says I am already way overstocked (136%), but I also over filter so I still have lots of filtration.
 
I agree that with 15 silver dollars, and 7 Geo's, your tank is pretty well stocked as is, but maybe something small in that category would fit the bill.
If it were me, because I prefer geographically correct species in display tanks, I would use something similar like the South American species Otocinclus. Or...
Start a separate Asian species tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattybecks
Geo's are not generally piscivores, they prefer tiny foods, so if the Otos (usually sold as wild caught adults) would be a bit large. they tend to be ignored by Geo's.
Otos are difficult, only if not treated right. They prefer being in shoals of 5 or more, most people buy 2 and wonder why they don't do well.
They also need a good crop of algae to be well established before adding to the tank, or they don't get enough nutrition. Also prefer soft to neutral water. Same with Siamese algae eaters, of they can turn to tank mates for sustenance.
Mine did well once I took into account these needs.
I would put rocks and other tank decor outside in containers of old tank water in the sun, to grow thick mats of algae throughout summer, enough to last for months, and use that algae I tried to cultivate for all algae eating species. (along with Spirulina based prepared foods.

 
  • Like
Reactions: mattybecks
Otos need very slow acclimation and react very badly to medium-hard water. Definitely a soft, acid water fish. That and also they don't do such a great job getting rid of algae. I had quite a crop of algae and 10 otos and they all died within a week.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattybecks
I had otos in hard water and they lived for years. They need large tanks to thrive, despite their small size.

I have SAEs about 2.5 years old now which I raised from juveniles. I got them together with a group of denison barb fry and the lot grew together. The barbs are now way larger and chunkier than the SAEs. Denison barbs max size is 6 inch. It is of course species dependent but I think SAEs will never exceed 6 inches, if they reach that size at all. They're also slender, lets say in comparison to denison barbs. Mine are probably 4-5 inch max. at this stage and have not noticed them growing anymore, unless the growth is really slow to notice. Also, what people have seen as large SAEs, were not SAEs but different species of fish that resemble SAEs, most likely flying foxes.

I also really like my SAEs and they thrive if kept in a school, they are extremely social. Mine also swim together with the denison barbs almost all the time in one large school. They too like cleaning my hand during maintenance :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattybecks
I have a school of young silver SAEs (C. reticulatus) and i've seen adults of that species at 7" to maybe 8" and thick too.
All the normal SAEs i've seen at adult size have been sturdy beasts as well, but the longest i have seen them get in person is about 6".

The carp family are weird though, I've seen some specimens (of species that are meant to max out at 2-3") get absolutely huge! Crazy stuff like 6" golden barbs and 4" tiger barbs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattybecks and tlindsey
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom