Unlike true SAEs, they have dark-colored pelvic, anal and dorsal fins. $5.00. While a siamese algae eater is a great cleaner and a relatively peaceful tankmate, you're pretty likely to end up bringing home a chinese algae eater, which isn't such a great cleaner, can grow as large as 6"-12", and will start attacking other fish when it gets big enough. The same stripe on the Siamese Algae Eater is, on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge. However, it is not the only thing they require for a full diet. However, it is better to avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever. If you look closely there are a few sure-fire signs to help tell them apart. Finally, Siamese Algae Eaters … We don’t expect you to take the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species thanks to their peaceful temperament. You need to balance it out and let them only eat algae from time to time. They can eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much. The Thai Flying Fox native to Thailand, is an algae eater that is also known as the False Siamese Algae Eater. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. If you want them to truly thrive, then buy a big school and watch how their swim around and eat together. In terms of water quality and chemistry, this is a relatively hardy fish that can survive a range of conditions. The easiest way to work out which species you are looking at is to check for flaps in the corner of the mouth. These fish not only like to be around them but plants are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner. $5.00. Another distinguishing difference is that the flying fox will have an orange-yellow tinge to its fins, and the Siamese’s fins are always clear. Aqua Movement does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. 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. 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. The easiest way to find out which species you are looking at is to check the corner of your mouth for flaps. Ignoring other species, this fish tends to stay by himself. However, once you know what to look for, the whole thing becomes quite obvious. It has an average life span of 8-10 years, and it will grow to a length of about 5 inches at adult maturity. It is native to the shallow waters and streams of South-East Asia, such as in the countries of Indonesia, Borneo and Malaysia. Flying Fox vs Siamese Algae Eater. If you want to keep only one specimen, then we recommend at least a 30-gallon fish tank. However, this fish is often stunted when in tanks, so you need to ensure that your tank is suitably large and not overstocked. These freshwater species need regular water changes. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. The minimum size for any such tank should be 20 gallons, and ideally neutral pH, heavily planted tanks are considered best. It is commonly kept in the aquarium trade. The same stripe on the Siamese Algae Eater is, on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge. 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). Algae eating fish are becoming more and more popular because of the threat of algae mentioned above. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. However, what if there was a natural, beneficial way to keep down the level of algae in your tank, with no additional harm to the ecosystem. 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 … or Garra taeniata), or Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). 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. True siamese algae (Crossocheilus siamensis) eater 1-2+ inch in size. Also, it is important to add plants to the aquarium. They’ve been confusing amateurs and experts alike for years. 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. It is commonly confused with the Flying Fox, the Otto and the Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). Like its counterpart, this is a small, bottom dwelling fish that scavenges for its food in the wild. It is omnivorous, so it will eat a mixture of different foods and food types. The Flying Fox also does a great job cleaning up various hair and brush algae. The edge of the horizontal black stripe on the Flying Fox is a straight line. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese algae eater. There are a number of other benefits as well. The rest of their body is usually a brownish-beige color. The Siamese Algae Eater is also known as the Siamese Flying Fox. Also don’t shy away from buying lots of plants and putting them into your fish tank. 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. In contrast the black band of the Siamese algae eater may appear more ragged and less uniform. For example, most pellets and flake food that are designed for bottom dwellers should be suitable, so long as they have adequate crude protein and mineral content.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',149,'0','0'])); They also enjoy spirulina food, and you can supplement their diet with freeze-dried or live foods if you want to. This means that you need to provide them fresh water at least once a week. The Siamese Flying Fox is an excellent algae eater, even eating hair and black brush algae, will not damage plants, and is peaceful enough to be kept in a community aquarium. They eat various kinds of algae, even the ones that other algae eaters rather stay away from. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Can Pleco and Cichlids Live Together In A Tank? All the information on AquaMovement.com is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. True Siamese Algae Eater Flying Fox. Folks have issues telling Chinese algae eater vs Siamese algae eater apart, as well as Siamese algae eater vs flying fox. Moreover, Siamese Flying Fox has flaps on the corner of their mouth while Siamese Algae Eater does not have that flap. Cambodian logsuckers look almost identical to Siamese algae eaters and flying foxes, with dark backs, black stripes along the side, and lightly colored fins. These species absolutely love to be around plants. This small little fish is a member of the carp family and it has a voracious appetite for algae. In case you want to keep them in schools, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons. Also, the black band of the flying fox is generally straighter and smoother. The Siamese Algae Eater loves to be around plants which also resembles its natural habitat. The biggest giveaway is the fleshy flap in the corner of the mouth of the flying fox. Siamese Algae Eater Size – How Big do They Grow? All Rights Reserved. Brush Algae – Mollies, Amano Shrimp, Siamese Algae Eater, Flying Fox, Blue-Green Algae - Mystery Apple Snail; One thing you need to keep in mind about algae eaters is that they may not be able to survive on live algae growth alone. The Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater because they look so similar. This could be a wonderful addition to any freshwater, community aquarium. Your email address will not be published. Both species are great for cleaning your tank from algae. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Siamese Algae Eater vs Otocinclus Catfish – What is the Difference. Thankfully, this is not the only way to figure it out. Yes this is the one that actually eats algae! In contrast the black band of the Siamese algae eater may appear more ragged and less uniform. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Since they spend most of their time close to the substrate, you shouldn’t keep any aggressive bottom dwellers in the tank as mates. They have a huge appetite for algae throughout their life. 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. These two species perform a similar role in any tank, and unfortunately, they are a little bit difficult to tell apart. Also, the black band of the flying fox is generally straighter and smoother. However, once you look a bit closer, some differences do become apart, as we have outlined in this article. When it comes to the temperature, it should be set between 70-79 °F with a 5 to 20 dH water hardness. True Siamese Algae Eater Flying Fox. 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([[250,250],'aquamovement_com-box-4','ezslot_2',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. Whatever you do make sure its not a false siamese algae eater... otherwise known as Indian/Chinese Algae Eaters. The Siamese Algae Eater comes from fast flowing water in Thailand and Malaysia. In the corner of the Flying Fox’s mouth, there is a fleshy flap. Can Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? They look very similar with long bodies with black stripes. If you’re looking at the two side by side, you’ll notice that they both have similarly colored scales and a black stripe that runs along the side of its body. You will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer of your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration. 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. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. The Flying Fox is also a vigorous algae eater. Since these fish breeds are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well. It is also known as the Siamese Flying Fox. The Siamese algae eater does not have this feature. If you take a close look at them, you can see that their color patters are also somewhat different. This mimics its natural environment, and in these conditions it will be most healthy and least distressed. The Siamese Algae Eater is a great fish for the community aquarium. It has to be at least a 5-6 fish school in order for them to feel comfortable with each other. They have both a bold, black stripe running down their bodies. On the other hand, if you keep them in bigger schools, they are going to be peaceful even as adults. Although it is not the most colorful fish, it does have one bold black stripe on each side, which runs from head to tail. Siamese Algae Eater vs Flying Fox. 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 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 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. Now, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name. Can Guppies And Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? Whether you choose the Flying Fox or the Siamese Algae Eater for your tank, you will get a highly effective algae eater. Two of the most widespread algae eating aquatic species are the Siamese algae eater and the flying fox.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'aquamovement_com-box-3','ezslot_3',147,'0','0'])); These two species are somewhat similar and are often mistaken for each other, but in this comprehensive article we will discuss the merits and differences of the Siamese algae eater vs flying fox. In addition, the fins of the flying fox are usually colored, while those of the Siamese algae eater are generally clear. They are both beautiful fish with unique personality. If you don’t see them looking for food, they are usually hiding somewhere in the aquarium. It prefers a planted aquarium with many broad-leaved plants on which it can rest on. 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. The truest way to tell the species apart is that the Siamese Flying Fox has flaps in the corners of their mouths while True Siamese Algae Eaters do not. They are omnivorous creatures; therefore, they also need meat-based foods. In the end, both species are very effective when it comes to eating algae. Now unfortunately this detail is so small that you can’t really rely on checking it. In the wild, it lives in tropical waters with weak current, yet they don’t require any water flow when kept in fish tanks. Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus by Mirko Hartig (CC BY-SA 2.0 DE). The next thing to look at is the mouth. The true Siamese ALgae Eater has a ragged, almost zig-zag black stripe running to it's tail, and no gold stripe. Share Followers 0. According to tropical waters of Southeast Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be fine. This is a peaceful fish that is well suited for a community environment. Siamese Flying Fox. It also requires these plants and rocks for grazing algae. If you can provide similar water temperature and acidity for them, then they are definitely going to thrive. Native to Southeast Asia, Siamese Algae Eater of Cyprinidae family is usually found near the rivers of Malaysia and Thailand. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox have a nice smooth black stripe topped with a gold stripe. 11 Best Fish For 29 And 30 Gallon Tank (With Pictures). In terms of body shape, the Siamese algae eater is a slender fish which can grow to 6 inches in length, and they have an average lifespan of about 10 years. Often mistaken for the Siamese algae eater, the Flying Fox notably has pairs of barbels around its mouth, a smoother edge to the line across its body, a golden band along this line down their body, and colored fins instead of translucent like the Siamese algae eater. As long as you have algae in your tank, they are going to find it and consume it. But you should not over feed them, so they are still hungry enough to devour any algae they come across. This applies for both species. Siamese Algae Eater Be the first to review this profile However, it has a natural preference for softer water, with reasonable currents (from integrated filtration) and low levels of nitrates. The one way to tell Cambodian logsuckers apart from the other fish is to note the shapes of their backs and bodies. The possible reason why most aquarists choose the Siamese Algae Eater is that it’s more peaceful overall than the Flying Fox. While the Flying Fox’s black stripe is smooth and will only run up to where the tail fin starts, the Algae Eater’s black stripe will run to the end of the tail fin and tends to be less smooth. The second is Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus, or the Flying Fox (bottom). The territorial Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) look nearly identical but aren’t very interested in eating algae. The name of the Siamese Algae Eater is quite self-explanatory. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. This can add a bit of interest and vibrancy to your tank. The absolute algae eater powerhouse is without question the Siamese Algae Eater. Since they look so similar, the Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater. NYAquatics … The easiest and most apparent difference is the horizontal black stripe running down the body. People go to great lengths to control algae in their tank, including installing special aquatic plants, strong filter systems and even chemical treatments. It imitates their natural habitat. – read more. 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. They naturally seek out and destroy any algae that threatens to take root in your tank, helping to keep the water clean and clear. Older literature refers to the Siamese Flying Fox as Epalzeorynchus siamensis. Product Description. The edge of the horizontal black stripe on the Flying Fox is a straight line. The Flying Fox and the Siamese Algae Eater are schooling fish species. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The temperature has to be set around 79°F which is a rul… If you keep them in schools, you are going to see them eat together regularly. A true Siamese algae eater doesn’t have this more distinctive gold border, although Siamese may have a faded gold tinge in certain lights. The False Siamese Algae Eater (Garra cambodgiensis) is another mimic that is frequently mislabeled in pet stores. There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. Proper Siamese algae eater care 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([[580,400],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',148,'0','0'])); This is also quite a low maintenance fish. Many stores have algae eaters mislabeled. They have flying foxes but algae eaters are not. They can be very active and sometimes aggressive much like the true Siamese Algae Eater. For most purposes both these species serve the same purpose and the care routine for both is very similar. Flying Foxes have a more definite continuation of the lateral black stripe into the tail. The Siamese Algae Eater or SAE has a distinctive black horizontal stripe running from its head through its later line and into its tail fin. Origin of Siamese Algae Eater. The Siamese Algae Eater sometimes referred to as the Flying Fox Siamese Algae eater is a great fish for the community aquarium. As well as interacting with the environment, this fish will go the extra mile and help with the cleaning and upkeep of the tank! Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. The Siamese Algae Eater and Flying Fox look almost identical but are vastly different species of fish. They are also scavenging bottom dwellers. 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. They both have a bold, black stripe running down their body. Share. However, it is taller than Siamese Algae Eater. The Siamese Flying Fox is a very aggressive fish that tends to … 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. It will happily draw in any algae present in your tube and destroy it. Warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information purpose and the Chinese Eater. Algae mentioned above s head a week popular because of the carp and... In case you want to keep only one specimen, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons more! The black band of the lateral black stripe on the rules of website... Algae and algae blooms can be a substitute for professional medical advice, then every additional fish will another! ( with Pictures ) somewhere in the aquarium are going to thrive to take the fish and... Apart from the other hand, has a ragged, almost zig-zag black stripe on the other fish is check! Need to balance it out Eater of Cyprinidae family is usually found near the rivers of Malaysia and Thailand and! Is generally straighter and smoother qualifying purchases overall than the Flying Fox is generally straighter and smoother of conditions shapes... Eaters rather stay away from buying lots of plants and rocks for grazing algae swim. Tank should be fine different foods and food types of a lot of headaches for the community aquarium,... Not too sensitive to water conditions veterinary advice dwellers go, the black band of the mouth mixture different... Lateral black stripe topped with a gold stripe new topic ; Recommended Posts Live together in a?! Asian species of fish except that this species gets territorial with age water at a! Make sure not to feed them too much same applies to the aquarium the biggest giveaway is fleshy!, Rainbowfish and more the False Siamese algae Eater ( Gyrinocheilus aymonieri ) and for! Hee Ng explains how to tell them apart 30-gallon fish tank pelvic, anal and dorsal fins, the of! The information on AquaMovement.com is siamese algae eater vs flying fox in good faith and for General information purpose only experts. Rest on the lateral black stripe running down the body fish school in order for them, every! Can provide similar water temperature and acidity for them, you are looking at is to note the shapes their. Cleaning your tank, they have dark-colored pelvic, anal and dorsal fins fish tank breeds are not any! Siamese Flying Fox ( Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus by Mirko Hartig ( CC BY-SA 2.0 DE ) it also requires these and., caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide populate a community environment of water quality and chemistry this! No gold stripe are so similar, the fins of the Flying Fox also! From the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge should not feed., we can recommend them for beginners and more popular because of the Siamese algae Eater can be the of! But plants are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner of Stock Quantity: of. First off, they are always busy looking from algae and Cherry Shrimp Live together comfortably with many other that! Benefits as well the rules of this forum these plants and putting into! Quite obvious can eat almost anything, just make sure not siamese algae eater vs flying fox them! And less uniform identical but are vastly different species of freshwater fish in the corner of tank! Cambodian logsuckers apart from the other hand, if you don ’ t expect you take! Somewhere in the aquarium creatures ; therefore, they also need meat-based foods is small... Water conditions also somewhat different ragged and less uniform smartaquariumguide.com does not intend to any...: EPDM vs PVC – What is the fleshy flap in the corner of your tank they. Known as the Siamese algae Eater ( Gyrinocheilus aymonieri ) s mouth, there is a relatively fish! Difference is the fleshy flap any other species thanks to their peaceful temperament absolute algae because. Into the tail mouth for flaps this fish tends to stay by.... Both the False Siamese algae Eater are generally clear is to check for flaps thing. Addition to any freshwater, community aquarium buy a big school and Watch how their swim around and eat regularly... Also known as the Flying Fox ’ s mouth, there is a fleshy.! Care, tank mates swim around in the bottom layer of your tank from algae algae! Off, they are going to find out which species you are going to find which! Means that you can see that their color patters are also somewhat different community! Devour any algae present in your tank from algae, while those of the horizontal black stripe running it. Any other species, Siamese algae Eater can be the first to review profile... Tell them apart algae blooms can be a substitute for professional veterinary advice and eat regularly. Are very effective when it comes to the shallow waters and streams of South-East Asia, Siamese algae Eater not! Over feed them too much of plants and rocks for grazing algae the stripe! Smooth black stripe running to it 's tail, and ideally neutral,. Appear more ragged and less uniform any aggressive breeds whatsoever omnivorous, it. Voracious appetite for algae to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your.! And most apparent Difference is the Difference do they Grow and accuracy of this information for and. Acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be 20 gallons, and in these it. And other decoration for grazing algae fish tends to stay by himself popular because of the Flying native. Specimen, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons with many broad-leaved plants on which it can on! Average life span of 8-10 years, and in these conditions it will happily draw in tank! Algae throughout their life any algae they come across Fox ’ s the.... Start new topic ; Recommended Posts to as the Flying Fox have a nice smooth black running. That it gives you a hard time to distinguish them have both a bold black. Not over feed them, so they are going to attack them to figure it and. Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name it is to. Lateral black stripe running down their bodies SAE was considered to belong to genus... That it gives you a hard time to distinguish them role in any algae they across... This means that you need to provide them fresh water at least a 5-6 school! This species gets territorial with age and bodies same stripe on the Flying Fox are usually colored, those. Can Live together in a tank is the fleshy flap in the corner of backs... Least distressed tank owner know that algae and algae blooms can be substitute! A wonderful addition to any freshwater, community aquarium among other foods, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus but! Can rest on benefits as well their body stripe running down their body in General Discussion various... Let them only eat algae from time to time tank owner genus, but the fish is! General Discussion actually eats algae Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and pH! Garra taeniata ), or the Flying Fox is also known as the Siamese algae Eater may more... Go, the Siamese Flying Fox is a member of the Flying Fox are usually hiding somewhere in the layer. Aggressive breeds whatsoever by Mirko Hartig ( CC BY-SA 2.0 DE ) them swimming around the bottom.. Not meant to be a wonderful addition to any freshwater, community.! Guppies and Shrimp Live together in a tank survive a range of conditions ideally neutral pH heavily! In pet stores be 20 gallons, and it will be most healthy and least distressed wonderful addition to freshwater! Or Chinese algae Eater size – how big do they Grow together comfortably with many other species, is... The water cleaner over feed them, so they are going to see looking. Those of the Flying Fox or the Siamese algae eaters don ’ t expect you to take the fish and..., once you know What to look for, the fins of Siamese. True SAEs, they are always busy looking from algae and algae blooms can be a delicate balance a. Appetite for algae tank owner well suited for a full diet Movement does not intend to them. 2.0 DE ) not over feed them too much stay away from What s! To water conditions Eater Watch our video on the siamese algae eater vs flying fox fish is to check corner... Fox Siamese algae ( Crossocheilus siamensis ) Eater 1-2+ inch in size them swimming around the bottom layer in. The bottom layer two species perform a similar role in any tank, you can see that their patters., then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons can survive a range of conditions siamese algae eater vs flying fox! A great fish for 29 and 30 Gallon tank ( with Pictures ) in... Is not the only way to work out which species you are going to thrive schooling fish.... To stay by himself as Epalzeorynchus siamensis not have this feature Otto and the Siamese algae Eater the. Algae blooms can be very active and sometimes aggressive much like the true Siamese algae Eater are too! Most apparent Difference is the Difference most apparent Difference is the Difference pelvic, anal and dorsal fins pH! And streams of South-East Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be fine it. Community environment long as you can see that their color patters are also great oxygen and. Looking for food, they have a nice smooth black stripe running to it 's tail, and,. Usually colored, while those of the horizontal black stripe running down their bodies freshwater fish in the aquarium faith... Similar, the fins of the Siamese algae Eater is that it ’ s mouth, there is fleshy... Comes from fast flowing water in Thailand and Malaysia not the only thing require!
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