Question about Siamese Algae Eaters...

[Lukara]

Hi, my question is for those who have had experiences with SAEs. I bought 1 Siamese Algae Eater a short while ago (only 1 due to it being the last one at the pet shop). When I introduced him into my 50 gallon tank, for the first 24 hours he didn't nibble on anything, he swam around very actively against the glass at the the rear of my aquarium. On day 2 he began to nibble some algae, but only the algae growing on the rear glass. It is now a little over a week since I put him in the tank, he appears to be quite happy, however, he doesn't really seem to detach himself from the rear glass to investigate the rest of the aquarium very often. He has eaten some fuzz algae that I have growing on some of my plants and perhaps socialized to a small degree with a few of my Otos, but 95% of the time if hes mainly swimming very actively against the rear glass and eating the algae on THAT window. He seems obsessed with it.

If this behaviour is the way it is going to remain, I have to say I'm quite dissapointed :( with the SAE and I question what all the hoopla surrounding them is all about. I some brush algae in my tank that I'd love for him to take an interest in, but he hasn't even gone investigating in that general area, that I know of anyway.

I'm wondering if his obsession might be due to him being the only SAE in my tank, and he may be seeing his reflexion on the glass so he's trying to school with the reflection? Anybody have any thoughts on this?

On a side note, yes I'm certain this is an SAE.

[Fishiebusiness]

Does it ever suck onto the back wall and not move, like an oto?

[pinballqueen]

It's quite possible he's taking a methodical approach. If there is still algae on the back glass, he'll stay on it until it's gone, moving on to another wall or plant until it's clean, etc. If there is ample food in one area, why would he want to move? Most fish have a one-track mind when it comes to this sort of thing. Give him time, and he'll move on. In the meantime, you might ought to be on the lookout for another, not only to give the first one a "playmate" but to spread out the area that is being cleaned...

[wetmanNY]

Robert Paul H of AquaBotanic.com was the one who suggested to me that SAEs are happier and bolder with some company. See if you can find another the same size, though it's starting to be a little late in the season to find SAEs.

If his actions are stereotyped, repeated restlessly over and over, just the same way each time, check your nitrates. A good big water change may be what he needs.

[Orbitorly]

I had one and never liked it. It would torment my other fish.

[Scooter]

IME, SAEs don't do well individually. I would agree with those that suggest you pick up another. I've found that single SAEs can be rather belligerent with tankmates. I would recommend three, but that's probably pushing it for a 50g tank. They'll get large. My oldest one is about 6" long and almost as big around as a broom handle. And I wouldn't rely on the one you have eating most of your algae. It would be a good idea to supplement his diet with pellets or discs for bottom feeders. Mine eat flakes as well.

They're nice fish and can be quite energetic. You might just give yours some time to get in the groove :cool:

[andruboz]

if they are anything like my chinese algea eaters, they are working the back of the tank during the day and the front of the tank at night or when nobody is around.

[Lukara]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Fishiebusiness, no he doesn't attach himself onto the glass like an oto, he rests on his fins the few times he's actually not moving. I will look to get another SAE hopefully for next weekend. I need to call the pet shop to see if they have them in stock again though. LOL I actually drove to another province to get him as that pet shop is the only one who actually have the real deal. I guess a second 4 hour trip is in order! I hope SAEs are really worth it :)

[MP]

Yes, they are.

[Aries]

I love SAE too. I have a group of 5 in a cichlid tank and they explore every inch of that tank not being bothered at all by the Zebras (not highly aggressive in the first place).

They definately do better in groups unlike CAE which can cause problems I heard.

They do a good job of helping keep things in check, ie algae.

[wetmanNY]

They're also as seasonal as soft-shelled crabs. If you don't get one in the next few weeks, you won't get another chance till September!

Mark. my. words

Now watch-- the LFS will be just rolling in SAEs all summer long...

[jiggerpolebill]

i have 5 in a 55g. i didnt know they got as big as that(scooter's) though. mine are fairly small now. the biggest being about 3" and the smallest a little less than 2". there are actually 2 big ones and 3 little ones. i got them when i was having brown algae problems, but they didnt do much to help that. i kept them though because i really like their colors and they are active fish and fun to watch. i think they would be worth the drive, IMO.