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. If you don’t see them looking for food, they are usually hiding somewhere in the aquarium. Habitat and Tank Conditions for 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. Description. 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. Ironically, Crossocheilus siamensis is called "the one like flying fox." Though similar to the false flying fox and Siamese algae eater, it is different from both the species in many ways. The temperature has to be set around 79°F which is a rul… Since they look so similar, the Siamese flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) often gets mistaken for the algae eater. 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. On the other hand, if you keep them in bigger schools, they are going to be peaceful even as adults. Thankfully, this is not the only way to figure it out. It imitates their natural habitat. These freshwater species need regular water changes. Common Names: Siamese Algae Eater, SAE, Siamese Flying Fox. First off, they have a slightly different mouth structure. Whats The Difference Between A Siamese Algae Eater And A Flying Fox. Whatever you do make sure its not a false siamese algae eater... otherwise known as Indian/Chinese Algae Eaters. It has to be at least a 5-6 fish school in order for them to feel comfortable with each other. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We think this fish is the true Siamese Algae Eater, and this fish's scientific name is Crossocheilus atrilimes. Required fields are marked *. You could also find it in tropical aquariums. In the end, both species are very effective when it comes to eating algae. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Also don’t shy away from buying lots of plants and putting them into your fish tank. True siamese algae (Crossocheilus siamensis) eater 1-2+ inch in size. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species thanks to their peaceful temperament. Those of the Siamese algae eater tend to be clear. The same stripe on the Siamese Algae Eater is, on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag edge. According to tropical waters of Southeast Asia, an acidity between 6.0 and 8.0 pH should be fine. We don’t expect you to take the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts. Flying Fox's tinges are red especially in the caudal tale which is just the end tail fin of the fish. These include brine shrimp and various frozen varieties. 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. You need to balance it out and let them only eat algae from time to time. They can hardly bother any other species that swim around in the higher layers of the tank. Now, it belongs to Crossocheilus genus, but the fish itself is important, not its name. All Rights Reserved. The algae eater’s is less uniform and stretches to the end of the tail fin. reticulatus).). If you can provide similar water temperature and acidity for them, then they are definitely going to thrive. 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 possible reason why most aquarists choose the Siamese Algae Eater is that it’s more peaceful overall than the Flying Fox. You can see that the fish, shown in the picture above, have horizontal stripes. © Copyright 2021 - SmartAquariumGuide. 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. 2572212 | VAT registration No. Both species are great for cleaning your tank from algae. Your email address will not be published. This applies for both species. These two fish species are so similar to each other that it gives you a hard time to distinguish them. Finally, one last thing I've read about and also observed in my tank concerns the peculiar way a Siamese Algae Eater rests. Yes this is the one that actually eats algae! They are usually kept in the aquariums because of their algae eating habits. I’ve kept fish for over four decades now, since I was gifted my first goldfish on my fourth birthday. The Siamese algae eater is also known as the Siamese flying fox, Flying fox and Siamese fox. Region: Thailand and Malayan Peninsula. The flying fox looks very similar, but fish owners can look for a few differences to ensure that they’re getting the right fish. The Flying Fox is also a vigorous algae eater. They have a huge appetite for algae throughout their life. Needs "False siamensis" is more demanding on water quality than Siamese Algae Eater. It is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Siamese algae eater. It grows to a maximum size of approximately 14cm. However, it is better to avoid any aggressive breeds whatsoever. Since they spend most of their time close to the substrate, you shouldn’t keep any aggressive bottom dwellers in the tank as mates. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. C.atrilimes are SAEs, but are not effective at algae control and prefer to eat Java Moss and plant leaves. It grows to a maximum size of approximately 14cm. 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 Siamese Algae Eater is a great fish for the community aquarium. 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. They can eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much. The name of the Siamese Algae Eater is quite self-explanatory. In the orient, these fish are called "colorful flying fox." The Otto Cat is confused with Chinese Algae Eater, Siamese Algae Eater, and Siamese Flying Fox. We use cookies to improve your experience of this website by remembering your usage preferences, collecting statistics, and targeting relevant content. 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. The flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) is a Southeast Asian species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. They are both beautiful fish with unique personality. There are plenty of peaceful ones to choose from, such as Guppies, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish and more. These fish not only like to be around them but plants are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner. Image result for flying fox fish and chinese algae eater differences. Siamese Algae Eaters can live together comfortably with many other species, Siamese Algae Eater: Care, Tank Mates, Feeding, Breeding. 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. Thailand and Malayan peninsula are SАЕ habitats. The Siamese Algae Eater loves to be around plants which also resembles its natural habitat. Dr Heok Hee Ng explains how to tell them apart. In the wild, it lives in tropical waters with weak current, yet they don’t require any water flow when kept in fish tanks. It is commonly spotted in freshwater lakes. The flying fox fish, commonly mistaken for the Siamese flying fox due to its algae eating diet, is a famous and easily available fish. 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 are also scavenging bottom dwellers. Whether you choose the Flying Fox or the Siamese Algae Eater for your tank, you will get a highly effective algae eater. In addition, the dorsal fin of the Flying fox is more deeply notched than on the Siamese algae eater, although this may be slight. 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. The easiest way to find out which species you are looking at is to check the corner of your mouth for flaps. 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). If there are similar-looking fish around them, there is a high chance they are going to attack them. Siamese algae eaters vs Siamese flying fox fish: how to tell the difference. 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. 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. 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. It is common in aquarium stores and a very good algae eater. They are omnivorous creatures; therefore, they also need meat-based foods. 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. Siamese Algae Eater Be the first to review this profile However, it is not the only thing they require for a full diet. Among other foods, it is known to eat green algae. The Thai Flying Fox native to Thailand, is an algae eater that is also known as the False Siamese Algae Eater. 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. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. If you take a close look at them, you can see that their color patters are also somewhat different. If you want to keep only one specimen, then we recommend at least a 30-gallon fish tank. However, once you know what to look for, the whole thing becomes quite obvious. Download this stock image: Siamese algae eater, siamese flying fox, Siamese fox (Crossocheilus siamensis). - X2GC0H from Alamy's library of millions of high … 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 … The Flying Fox also does a great job cleaning up various hair and brush algae. 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. In addition, the dorsal fin of the Flying fox is more deeply notched than on the Siamese algae eater, although this may be … Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. Siamese Algae Eater vs Flying Fox. Behavior Adult specimens are aggressive towards each other, otherwise like Siamese Algae Eater. These two species are often confused. Their appealing appearance and peaceful demeanor make them a perfect aquarium fish. In the wild you will find Siamese algae eaters in the densely planted rivers and streams of Southeast Asia. The black stripe on the flying fox tends to be smoother and it ends where the tail fin begins. The "Real" Siamese Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchus siamensis) are distinguished by the characteristic black mid-lateral stripe running all the way through the tail. As their tank mates swim around, they are always busy looking from algae and swimming around in the bottom layer. This species is renowned for its ability to consume hair algae. Another significantly identifying help tool is that Flying Foxes and Siamese Algae Eater, both have barbells on there, like little whiskers coming out. They have both a bold, black stripe running down their bodies. The Siamese Algae Eater, on the other hand, is a peaceful schoaler, and does better in a small group of 4-6. The Siamese Algae Eater is also known as the Siamese Flying Fox. Siamese Algae Eater Size – How Big do They Grow. As you can see, the Flying Fox and the Siamese Algae Eater are not too sensitive to water conditions. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. Also, it is important to add plants to the aquarium. There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. 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. Maximum Size: 6″ (15cm) pH Range: Not particular, can live in 5.5-8.0 but slightly acidic 6.5-7.0 is best. Ignoring other species, this fish tends to stay by himself. 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. Siamese Algae Eater vs Otocinclus Catfish – What is the Difference? GB 638 3492 15, Copyright © 2021 Warners Group Publications Plc. If you continue to use this site we’ll assume you’re happy to receive all cookies. Flying fox fish is a freshwater variety belonging to the Cyprinidae family indigenous to the eastern and southeastern parts of Asia. – read more. Up very close you can see that these stripes have a saw-tooth edge. They constantly keep feeding on the algae, therefore helping in keeping the aquarium clean and algae-free. 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. You will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer of your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration. Hardness: Prefers soft water, but can be in fairly hard water Flying Fox and Siamese Algae Eater Water Requirements. 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. The edge of the horizontal black stripe on the Flying Fox is a straight line. In the corner of the Flying Fox’s mouth, there is a fleshy flap. The reticulated flying fox has a distinctive pattern consisting of dark-edged scales tinged with a lovely iridescent gold or copper sheen. Since these fish breeds are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well. C.langei, the Red Siamese Algae Eater, are friendly community fish and excellent consumers of algae. It is commonly kept in the aquarium trade. The scales in this area of the Siamese algae eater have dark margins, imparting a net-like pattern. Your email address will not be published. These fish are often confused with the Siamese flying fox, a fish that is almost identical to the SAE. You can populate a community aquarium with various fish breeds without any complications. In case you want to keep them in schools, then every additional fish will require another 10 gallons. 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. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. 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