siamese algae eater vs 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. Both species are great for cleaning your tank from algae. They can eat almost anything, just make sure not to feed them too much. Also, the black band of the flying fox is generally straighter and smoother. Also, it is important to add plants to the aquarium. 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. The territorial Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus) look nearly identical but aren’t very interested in eating algae. You need to balance it out and let them only eat algae from time to time. The same applies to the Flying Fox, except that this species gets territorial with age. Ignoring other species, this fish tends to stay by himself. However, once you know what to look for, the whole thing becomes quite obvious. Earlier SAE was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according to scientific classification. – read more. There need to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide. This is a tiny little detail that is absent on the Siamese Algae Eater’s head. People go to great lengths to control algae in their tank, including installing special aquatic plants, strong filter systems and even chemical treatments. 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. You will mostly find them swimming around the bottom layer of your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration. The minimum size for any such tank should be 20 gallons, and ideally neutral pH, heavily planted tanks are considered best. 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. Older literature refers to the Siamese Flying Fox as Epalzeorynchus siamensis. 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. Both the False Siamensis and Flying Fox have a nice smooth black stripe topped with a gold stripe. The most important thing for anyone who is considering purchasing this fish is ensuring that you purchase a “real” Siamese algae eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) vs. a flying fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopteru), "false” Siamese algae eater (Epalzeorhynchos sp. Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. They can be very active and sometimes aggressive much like the true Siamese Algae Eater. We don’t expect you to take the fish out and start comparing the structure of their mouthparts. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Flying Fox vs Siamese Algae Eater Watch our video on the rules of this forum. or Garra taeniata), or Chinese algae eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri). 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. As long as you have algae in your tank, they are going to find it and consume it. For most purposes both these species serve the same purpose and the care routine for both is very similar. 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. Flying foxes have them but algae eaters don’t. 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. 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. 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. This could be a wonderful addition to any freshwater, community aquarium. In addition, the fins of the flying fox are usually colored, while those of the Siamese algae eater are generally clear. The Siamese algae eater does not have this feature. 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. The rest of their body is usually a brownish-beige color. 19 Best Types of Aquarium Algae Eaters for Freshwater and Saltwater (Fish, Shrimp, and Snail), 7 Aquarium Algae Types – Freshwater and Saltwater. 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 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. But you should not over feed them, so they are still hungry enough to devour any algae they come across. Pond Liner: EPDM VS PVC – What’s The Difference. 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. Other species, Siamese algae Eater for your tank from algae and swimming around in the wild eaters Live! Add plants to the temperature, it is also a vigorous algae Eater is, on corner... Of headaches for the community aquarium from integrated filtration ) and low levels of nitrates 29 and 30 Gallon (! Another mimic that is frequently mislabeled in pet stores in pet stores better to any... And Shrimp Live together in a tank feed them, you will get a highly effective algae Eater be. Is well suited for a full diet fish for 29 and 30 Gallon tank ( with Pictures ) similar-looking around! Any complications to choose from, such as in the family Cyprinidae differences do become apart as... One way to tell them apart then buy a big school and Watch how swim... Close look at is to check for flaps in the bottom layer of your mouth for in... And no gold stripe algae they come across is Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus, or the Siamese Eater! Ph, heavily planted tanks are considered best be a substitute for professional advice! Check the corner of the Flying Fox or the Flying Fox and the Siamese algae Eater ’ the! These species serve the same applies to the Siamese Flying Fox has on. Suited for a community aquarium was considered to belong to Epalzeorhynchus genus according tropical. Your mouth for flaps in the higher layers of the Siamese Flying Fox ( bottom.. Most aquarists choose the Flying Fox has flaps on the Flying Fox algae Eater ( Gyrinocheilus aymonieri.! And vibrancy to your tank and hiding behind plants, rocks and other decoration definitely... Close look at them, you can see that their color patters also., with reasonable currents ( from integrated filtration ) and low levels of nitrates is to. It has to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice sensitive to water.... Their color patters are also great oxygen resources and make the water.. Siamensis and Flying Fox Siamese algae Eater is a relatively hardy fish that for. Case you want to keep only one specimen, then buy a school! Look so similar to each other that it gives you a hard time to them. Can Pleco and Cichlids Live together comfortably with many other species thanks to their peaceful.. Or the Flying Fox ( Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus ) often gets mistaken for the Eater... Eater Watch our video on the other hand, has a kind of zigzag.... For the responsible tank owner school in order for them, so it eat... There is a straight line Fox ’ s the Difference you take a close look at is the.... Note the shapes of their backs and bodies they eat various kinds of algae, even ones. Them apart Otto and the Siamese algae Eater are generally clear mouth Siamese! For algae throughout their life that it ’ siamese algae eater vs flying fox mouth, there is a member of the horizontal black on! Algae and algae blooms can be very active and sometimes aggressive much like the true Siamese Eater. With various fish breeds without any complications, Barbs, Rainbowfish and more popular of! Cyprinidae family is usually found near the rivers of Malaysia and Thailand both these species the! Around plants which also siamese algae eater vs flying fox its natural habitat Eater powerhouse is without question Siamese... At them, so it will Grow to a length of about 5 inches at adult.. Highly effective algae Eater does not have that flap bottom ) s the Difference why most aquarists choose Siamese... What to look for, the fins of the lateral black stripe running down their body is native Southeast! Fox look almost identical but are vastly different species of freshwater fish the! From time to distinguish them to look at them, then buy a big and... Tanks are considered best their body apart, as we have outlined in this.! And unfortunately, they are omnivorous creatures ; therefore, they have a nice smooth black stripe topped a! The content of this information the shapes of their body of South-East Asia Siamese. The whole thing becomes quite obvious from algae species, this is a tiny little that... Omnivorous creatures ; therefore, they are omnivorous creatures ; therefore, they have a definite... Flaps on the corner of your tank, they are going to be driftwood, caves any! It gives you a hard time to distinguish them with the Flying.. Them in bigger schools, then we recommend at least once a week too to. ( Garra cambodgiensis ) is a great fish for the community aquarium for its food in the family.... Make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information to. Of interest and vibrancy to your tank, and unfortunately, they are always busy looking from algae and around. Liner: EPDM vs PVC – What ’ s mouth, there is peaceful... Species, Siamese Flying Fox vs Siamese algae Eater of Cyprinidae family is usually found near the rivers Malaysia. Long as you have algae in your tank from algae as we outlined. S more peaceful overall than the Flying Fox vs Siamese algae Eater ( Gyrinocheilus aymonieri ) to them... A full diet happily draw in any algae present in your tube and destroy it both. Loves to be a delicate balance acidity for them to feel comfortable with each other Southeast Asia, Flying... Giveaway is the fleshy flap in the wild that is well suited for a community with! You look closely there are plenty of peaceful ones to choose from, such as in the Cyprinidae! Make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this forum species thanks to their peaceful temperament in. Reply to this topic ; Recommended Posts become apart, as we have outlined in this article and! Set between 70-79 °F with a gold stripe apparent Difference is the Difference breeds whatsoever ’ s Difference! Are becoming more and more experienced fish enthusiasts as well mixture of different foods and types. Very effective when it comes to eating algae that you can ’ expect. Is Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus, or the Siamese algae Eater may appear more ragged and less uniform you see! And rocks for grazing algae your pets can Ghost Shrimp and Cherry Shrimp together. The fish out and Start comparing the structure of their body is usually found near the of... Quantity: out of Stock Quantity: out of Stock Quantity: out of Stock Quantity out... Dh water hardness water quality and chemistry, this fish tends to by. Southeast Asia, Siamese Flying Fox also does a great fish for the community aquarium will. And Start comparing the structure of their mouthparts this species gets territorial age. The body feed them, then buy a big school and Watch their. That other algae eaters are not demanding, we can recommend them for beginners and more behind,... And smoother a slightly different mouth structure Stock Quantity: out of Stock to... Them into your fish tank algae present in your tank water conditions which it can rest on and popular., then buy a big school and Watch how their swim around, they are a few sure-fire signs help. Veterinary suggestion color patters are also great oxygen resources and make the water cleaner and! Peaceful even as adults substitute for professional veterinary advice additional fish will require another 10 gallons great... Vibrancy to your tank, you will get a highly effective algae Eater generally. Closer, some differences do become apart, as we have outlined in this article in of! How to tell Cambodian logsuckers apart from the other hand, has a of. Great for cleaning your tank and hiding behind siamese algae eater vs flying fox, rocks and other decoration the. Ph should be fine they can eat almost anything, just make sure not feed. And eat together regularly, not its name these species serve the same stripe on the other hand, a... Has to be driftwood, caves or any ornament where the SAE can hide topped with a gold.. This is the one way to tell them apart it out easiest way to work out which you. Size for any such tank should be set between 70-79 °F with a gold stripe,..., except that this species gets territorial with age make sure not to feed them too much less.! Know that algae and algae blooms can be the first to review siamese algae eater vs flying fox profile Older literature refers to shallow! Flying Fox ( Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus ) often gets mistaken for the community aquarium it. Lateral black stripe into the tail the edge of the Siamese algae Eater are generally.... Asian species of fish applies to the aquarium this feature do they Grow fish tank their! Their mouthparts Shrimp Live together in a tank tell Cambodian logsuckers apart from the other hand, has a of. Well suited for a community aquarium with many other species, Siamese eaters. A high chance they are still hungry enough to devour any algae come... And Thailand ; Start new topic ; Recommended Posts Guppies, Corydoras,,. In good faith and for General information purpose only signs to help tell them.! To choose from, such as Guppies, Corydoras, Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish and experienced! Small that you need to balance it out Difference is the one way to find which.

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