Siamese Algae Eater
A hardworking algae eater that can help with nuisance algae in larger community tanks. Best in spacious aquariums with plenty of swimming room.
tankSize
150L (40 gal) minimum
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
24 to 27C
temperament
Semi-peaceful
diet
Algae, sinking wafers, vegetables, and pellets
lifespan
8 to 10 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes and algae control
Best for
- Owners with mid-to-large community tanks
- People managing algae in planted aquariums
- Tanks with peaceful, similarly sized fish
- Aquariums with strong filtration
Not ideal for
- Small tanks where it cannot swim freely
- Tanks with aggressive fish
- Owners expecting it to survive on algae only
- Overstocked tanks with poor water quality
Temperament
- Generally peaceful but can become territorial with age
- Active swimmer
- Does best with adequate space and food
Daily routine
feeding: Offer sinking foods and vegetables; algae alone is not enough.
check: Observe activity level and body condition.
enrichment: Driftwood and plants provide cover and grazing areas.
Living fit
smallHome: Needs a larger tank to thrive.
kids: Interesting to watch and helpful for algae control.
firstTimeOwner: Good if tank size and feeding are appropriate.
Health notes
- Can become aggressive if cramped or underfed.
- Maintain good oxygenation and stable parameters.
- Quarantine new fish to reduce disease risk.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time; standard weekly maintenance.
cost: Moderate setup cost due to larger tank requirement.
Find the best fish for your lifestyle
Prefer a guided recommendation instead of browsing?
Find the best fish for me