Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) is a fish that is highly active, probably best described as a fish that looks like it has had too much caffeine. They are highly adaptable to a wide range of water quality. The ideal temperature is between 75-79F. A pH level from anywhere between 6-7.5 is acceptable, and soft to neutral water is preferred.

A lot has been written about these guys as their name suggests the answer to a problem most aquarium keepers have faced before, algae. Let me start off by telling you that getting a fish to deal with algae is not the way to go. They may start off munching on algae, but they soon get spoiled on store bought foods.

The Siamese Algae Eater is often confused with other similar fish, because of similar names and similar appearances. It is not uncommon for an SAE to be mislabeled in fish stores, even fish stores that are reputable for their knowledge, are known to mislabel other fish as SAEs or even label SAEs as oher fish. Choosing an SAE over other similar looking fish is important as the temperament of the true SAE is much more peaceful. Other fish may seem similar in appearance and even similar in personality when young, but they are noted to become aggressive and territorial in later years. The best way to know how to distinguish a true SAE from similar fish is to understand what the real thing looks like.

The SAE does not have a sucker mouth. It has only two whiskers, which protrude from the upper portion of its mouth. Its stripe goes from the tip of its nose, all way the down to through the tail. The stripe should not be a smooth line, but have jagged edges. The fins of the SAE are mostly clear, sometimes with a slight tint of yellow color. The fin color may be the hardest distinction to make as it’s a judgment call as to what has a yellow coloration or is mostly clear.

The first fish that is mistaken is the Chinese Algae Eater. It is fairly simple to distinguish between a CAE and an SAE. The major difference is the Chinese Algae Eater has a very pronounced sucker mouth.

The second fish that is often mistaken for a Siamese Algae Eater is the False Siamensis. The easiest way to distinguish a False Siamensis from an SAE is that a False Siamensis has a stripe that is smooth on the edges and stops at the tail.

The final fish that is often labeled as the SAE is the Flying Fox. It is very similar in body shape and fin shape to the Siamese Algae Eater and False Siamensis. This is perhaps the most difficult fish to distinguish from the SAE. Its stripe continues down through the tail. One thing to look for are markings on the fins. There are distinct dark bands on the fins, accompanied by white coloration on the tips.

Here is a picture of my SAE when I first got him. Look how skinny he was back then.

Resting on one of my Moai statues. It’s not uncommon to see these fish rest in this position. Younger specimens may rest on broad leaves of plants, while older ones will rest on rocks, decorations, or even on the substrate.

Note the clear finds and jagged edges of he stripe that extends through the tail.

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