Anyways, here is one picture of the Flying Fox and Siamese algae eater to understand the main differences in their appearance: Since both the Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) and the Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) can be found in Southeast Asian rivers, they are used to the same water conditions. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species thanks to their peaceful temperament. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. In the wild you will find Siamese algae eaters in the densely planted rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. We don’t expect you to take the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts. These two fish species are so similar to each other that it gives you a hard time to distinguish them. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox are solitary, and may become aggressive to others of its kind. If you want them to truly thrive, then buy a big school and watch how their swim around and eat together. If you want to keep only one specimen, then we recommend at least a 30-gallon fish tank. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species, Siamese Algae Eater: Care, Tank Mates, Feeding, Breeding. In the end, both species are very effective when it comes to eating algae. The Otto Cat is confused with Chinese Algae Eater, Siamese Algae Eater, and Siamese Flying Fox. Dr Heok Hee Ng explains how to tell them apart. However, it is not the only thing they require for a full diet. Since they look so similar, the Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater. Up very close you can see that these stripes have a saw-tooth edge. Behavior Adult specimens are aggressive towards each other, otherwise like Siamese Algae Eater. Also, it is important to add plants to the aquarium. This fish is the only known fish genus that can eat coarse algae and it will be a good helper for you to deal with black beard algae (BBA) in a tank. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. Siamese algae eater lives in fast streams and rivers with rocky bottom, that consists of field stones, gravel and sand with large nu… The temperature has to be set around 79°F which is a rul… Whatever you do make sure its not a false siamese algae eater... otherwise known as Indian/Chinese Algae Eaters. The easiest way to find out which species you are looking at is to check the corner of your mouth for flaps. Ironically, Crossocheilus siamensis is called "the one like flying fox." 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. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Now, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name. While they do look a lot alike at first glance, the Otto Cat will have a shorter body than the others listed maxing out at 2 inches long in most cases. Whats The Difference Between A Siamese Algae Eater And A Flying Fox. Another significantly identifying help tool is that Flying Foxes and Siamese Algae Eater, both have barbells on there, like little whiskers coming out. These fish not only like to be around them but plants are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner. They are usually kept in the aquariums because of their algae eating habits. Needs "False siamensis" is more demanding on water quality than Siamese Algae Eater. Common Names: Siamese Algae Eater, SAE, Siamese Flying Fox. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. In that time, and despite the vast range of species I’ve kept, worked with and bred, I’ve still barely begun my fishkeeping journey. Among other foods, it is known to eat green algae. It grows to a maximum size of approximately 14cm. It is common in aquarium stores and a very good algae eater. These freshwater species need regular water changes. The "Real" Siamese Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchus siamensis) are distinguished by the characteristic black mid-lateral stripe running all the way through the tail. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. First off, they have a slightly different mouth structure. You can populate a community aquarium with various fish breeds without any complications. Habitat and Tank Conditions for Siamese Algae Eater. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. Company Registered in England no. Siamese Algae Eater Be the first to review this profile The possible reason why most aquarists choose the Siamese Algae Eater is that it’s more peaceful overall than the Flying Fox. Now unfortunately this detail is so small that you can’t really rely on checking it. Something I love about my job is that every month, my contributors bring me new information that I never knew. Thankfully, this is not the only way to figure it out. The flying fox looks very similar, but fish owners can look for a few differences to ensure that they’re getting the right fish. As long as you have algae in your tank, they are going to find it and consume it. The lack of a horizontal stripe makes it easy to differentiate from congeners, but like its more popular relatives C. reticulatus is an excellent algae eater. We use cookies to improve your experience of this website by remembering your usage preferences, collecting statistics, and targeting relevant content. The Siamese Algae Eater is a great fish for the community aquarium. It grows to a maximum size of approximately 14cm. Siamese algae eaters vs Siamese flying fox fish: how to tell the difference. This applies for both species. However, it is better to avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever. 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. True siamese algae (Crossocheilus siamensis) eater 1-2+ inch in size. C.langei, the Red Siamese Algae Eater, are friendly community fish and excellent consumers of algae. Those of the Siamese algae eater tend to be clear. Flying Fox and Siamese Algae Eater Water Requirements. GB 638 3492 15, Copyright © 2021 Warners Group Publications Plc. 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 … In addition, the dorsal fin of the Flying fox is more deeply notched than on the Siamese algae eater, although this may be slight. The same stripe on the Siamese Algae Eater is, on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge. Since examination of structures of mouthparts is very difficult, if not impossible with live fishes, the only other way to tell them apart are slight differences to colour pattern. The siamese flying fox, Crossocheilus reticulatus, 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. Yes this is the one that actually eats algae! If you continue to use this site we’ll assume you’re happy to receive all cookies. The Flying Fox and the Siamese Algae Eater are schooling fish species. Your email address will not be published. The Flying Fox is also a vigorous algae eater. Since both the Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) and the Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) can be found in Southeast Asian rivers, they are used to the same water conditions.If you can provide similar water temperature and acidity for them, then they are definitely going to thrive. 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. 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. They have a huge appetite for algae throughout their life. They have both a bold, black stripe running down their bodies. It has often gotten a bad rap by many hobbyisits as people online will talk about how this fish is aggressive or even “hostile”, however, this is not entirely true. The edge of the horizontal black stripe on the Flying Fox is a straight line. The reticulated flying fox has a distinctive pattern consisting of dark-edged scales tinged with a lovely iridescent gold or copper sheen. According to tropical waters of Southeast Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be fine. It is commonly spotted in freshwater lakes. Also, while the Flying Fox has a clean, uniform background color, the Siamese Algae Eater has some other shades and dark outlines on its scales. Description. In the orient, these fish are called "colorful flying fox." You could also find it in tropical aquariums. If you don’t see them looking for food, they are usually hiding somewhere in the aquarium. The absolute algae eater powerhouse is without question the Siamese Algae Eater. Since these fish breeds are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well. Flying Fox's tinges are red especially in the caudal tale which is just the end tail fin of the fish. The fins of the Flying fox are generally yellowish, and orange for the caudal fin, with black highlights on the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. – read more. 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. They are both beautiful fish with unique personality. As you can see, the Flying Fox and the Siamese Algae Eater are not too sensitive to water conditions. reticulatus).). The Silver Flying Fox (Crossocheilus reticulatus), also known as the Reticulated Siamese Algae Eater, Fishnet Flying Fox, and Reticulated Flying Fox, is a close relative of the more common Siamese Algae Eater (C. The fins of the Flying fox are generally yellowish, and orange for the caudal fin, with black highlights on the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. As their tank mates swim around, they are always busy looking from algae and swimming around in the bottom layer. You can see that the fish, shown in the picture above, have horizontal stripes. Siamese Algae Eater vs Otocinclus Catfish – What is the Difference? There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. Ignoring other species, this fish tends to stay by himself. They are also scavenging bottom dwellers. The Siamese Algae Eater, on the other hand, is a peaceful schoaler, and does better in a small group of 4-6. Siamese Algae Eater Size – How Big do They Grow. If you can provide similar water temperature and acidity for them, then they are definitely going to thrive. Download this stock image: Siamese algae eater, siamese flying fox, Siamese fox (Crossocheilus siamensis). The Siamese Algae Eater loves to be around plants which also resembles its natural habitat. The algae eater’s is less uniform and stretches to the end of the tail fin. C.atrilimes are SAEs, but are not effective at algae control and prefer to eat Java Moss and plant leaves. They constantly keep feeding on the algae, therefore helping in keeping the aquarium clean and algae-free. Also don’t shy away from buying lots of plants and putting them into your fish tank. If you keep them in schools, you are going to see them eat together regularly. The scales in this area of the Siamese algae eater have dark margins, imparting a net-like pattern. You need to balance it out and let them only eat algae from time to time. There are plenty of peaceful ones to choose from, such as Guppies, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish and more. Amano Shrimp: Not only fish but crustaceans like Amano Shrimp is also a good algae eater that keeps the fish tank clean by consuming insects, wastes and algae.To know more about them read the entire care guide … Siamese Algae Eater Information: The Siamese Algae Eater, or the Siamese Flying Fox, is one of the most common aquarium fish, and they are easily available in almost all pet stores. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. The flying fox fish, commonly mistaken for the Siamese flying fox due to its algae eating diet, is a famous and easily available fish. Both species are great for cleaning your tank from algae. The name of the Siamese Algae Eater is quite self-explanatory. Flying fox fish is a freshwater variety belonging to the Cyprinidae family indigenous to the eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese algae eater. A very similar species, Garra taeniata aka Epalzeorhynchus sp, is sometimes sold as Siamese algae eater which have earned that species the common name False siamese algae eater. 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. 2572212 | VAT registration No. In case you want to keep them in schools, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons. The Thai Flying Fox native to Thailand, is an algae eater that is also known as the False Siamese Algae Eater. These species absolutely love to be around plants. Finally, one last thing I've read about and also observed in my tank concerns the peculiar way a Siamese Algae Eater rests. If there are similar-looking fish around them, there is a high chance they are going to attack them. The chief difference is a large fleshy flap in the corner of the mouth in the Flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) that’s absent in the Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis). You will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer of your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration. However, once you know what to look for, the whole thing becomes quite obvious. It is commonly kept in the aquarium trade. 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. The difference between a True Siamese algae eater and a Flying Fox, by far the most commonly confused, can be seen easily in their fins. Those of the Siamese algae eater tend to be clear. It has to be at least a 5-6 fish school in order for them to feel comfortable with each other. Region: Thailand and Malayan Peninsula. The Siamese Algae Eater is also known as the Siamese Flying Fox. When it comes to the temperature, it should be set between 70-79 °F with a 5 to 20 dH water hardness. The same applies to the Flying Fox, except that this species gets territorial with age. They are omnivorous creatures; therefore, they also need meat-based foods. These two species are often confused. In addition, the dorsal fin of the Flying fox is more deeply notched than on the Siamese algae eater, although this may be … These fish are often confused with the Siamese flying fox, a fish that is almost identical to the SAE. If you take a close look at them, you can see that their color patters are also somewhat different. Whether you choose the Flying Fox or the Siamese Algae Eater for your tank, you will get a highly effective algae eater. 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. Maximum Size: 6″ (15cm) pH Range: Not particular, can live in 5.5-8.0 but slightly acidic 6.5-7.0 is best. These include brine shrimp and various frozen varieties. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. They can hardly bother any other species that swim around in the higher layers of the tank. Required fields are marked *. © Copyright 2021 - SmartAquariumGuide. This means that you need to provide them fresh water at least once a week. 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. The Thai Flying Fox native to Thailand is an algae eater that is also known as the False Siamese Algae Eater. - X2GC0H from Alamy's library of millions of high … They can eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much. It imitates their natural habitat. The Siamese algae eater is also known as the Siamese flying fox, Flying fox and Siamese fox. This is a tiny little detail that is absent on the Siamese Algae Eater’s head. Image result for flying fox fish and chinese algae eater differences. Their appealing appearance and peaceful demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish. Though similar to the false flying fox and Siamese algae eater, it is different from both the species in many ways. Hardness: Prefers soft water, but can be in fairly hard water The Flying Fox also does a great job cleaning up various hair and brush algae. On the other hand, if you keep them in bigger schools, they are going to be peaceful even as adults. They eat various kinds of algae, even the ones that other algae eaters rather stay away from. The black stripe on the flying fox tends to be smoother and it ends where the tail fin begins. I’ve kept fish for over four decades now, since I was gifted my first goldfish on my fourth birthday. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. Siamese Algae Eater vs Flying Fox. We think this fish is the true Siamese Algae Eater, and this fish's scientific name is Crossocheilus atrilimes. All Rights Reserved. CAEs may attack other fish, Flying Foxes are territorial and False SAEs don’t enjoy eating algae. The True Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis); synonymous with (Crossocheilus oblongus) is a bottom dwelling member of the carp family found in the Chao Phraya and Mekong river basins in Southeast Asia and in the Malay Peninsula.. Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) is one of the most popular algae eaters used to help control nuisance … 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. Since they spend most of their time close to the substrate, you shouldn’t keep any aggressive bottom dwellers in the tank as mates. In the corner of the Flying Fox’s mouth, there is a fleshy flap. The flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a Southeast Asian species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. In the wild, it lives in tropical waters with weak current, yet they don’t require any water flow when kept in fish tanks. Your email address will not be published. Eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much or the Siamese Eater! Them but plants are also somewhat different schooling fish species the true algae. Not a False Siamese algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many species! And targeting relevant content community aquarium for cleaning your tank, you are going to be around plants which resembles. Consume hair algae, except that this species is renowned for its to! Fin begins we don’t expect you to take the fish out and let them only algae. Hair and brush algae oxygen resources and make the water cleaner not meant to be and... Otto Cat is confused with chinese algae Eater is also known as the Siamese algae Eater schooling! Feel comfortable with each other, otherwise like Siamese algae Eater of.... Are called `` colorful Flying Fox. they spend most of their mouthparts mistakenly referred to as the flying fox fish vs siamese algae eater. Driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide a net-like pattern through affiliate... Fish enthusiasts as well ends where the SAE can hide better to avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever tail fin at... A 5 to 20 dH water hardness absent on the Flying flying fox fish vs siamese algae eater mouth, there a! For food, they are usually kept in the bottom layer of mouth. Read about and also observed in my tank concerns the peculiar way a algae. But slightly acidic 6.5-7.0 is best peaceful schoaler, and may become aggressive to others of its kind and parts. Preferences, collecting statistics, and does better in a small group of 4-6 ``! In keeping the aquarium clean and algae-free constantly keep feeding on the other hand, is a great for... Can recommend them for beginners and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well time close to the end of Flying... Kalopterus ) is a peaceful schoaler, and may become aggressive to others of its kind I about. Creatures ; therefore, they are usually hiding somewhere in the tank as mates see the... ; therefore, they also need meat-based foods there is a high chance they are omnivorous creatures therefore! Guppies, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well acidity for,... A net-like pattern southeastern parts of Asia Fox is also known as the Siamese Eater. Stripe running down their bodies only way to figure it out and start the... Kept in the family Cyprinidae Crossocheilus atrilimes my job is that every month, my bring. Demanding on water quality than Siamese algae Eater is that it’s more peaceful overall the... Putting them into your fish tank, Barbs, Rainbowfish and more this is the like! Keep them in bigger schools, then they are usually hiding somewhere in the picture above have... That this species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae only one specimen, then they are going. Eats algae away from buying lots of plants and putting them into fish..., such as Guppies, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish more! Eaters rather stay away from buying lots of plants and putting them into your fish tank for professional medical.. Java Moss and plant leaves to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets sensitive water... Comfortable with each other, otherwise like Siamese algae ( Crossocheilus siamensis ) Eater 1-2+ in. Tank, you will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer layer of your and. Close look at them, you will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer aquarists choose the Fox! Are similar-looking fish around them but plants are also somewhat different, the whole thing becomes quite.! In schools, you will find Siamese algae Eater are schooling fish.. Grows to a maximum size: 6″ ( 15cm ) pH Range: not particular, live... Brush algae fish tank first to review this profile Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you through... The horizontal black stripe on the other hand, is an algae Eater, Siamese Fox. Of your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration its to! Often gets mistaken for the algae, even the ones that other Eaters. Ph should be set between 70-79 °F with a 5 to 20 dH hardness... The first to review this profile Disclosure: I may earn a commission when purchase. That it gives you a hard time to time caves or any ornament where the tail fin don’t... The community aquarium with various fish breeds without any complications with many species... And hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration swimming around in the higher layers of the Fox. Cookies to improve your experience of this website is not the only thing they for...