Breeding Siamese Algae Eaters

mermaidgirl said:

Are there any distinguishing differences between males and females?

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Gender:
There are no external sexual differences until true maturity is reached at approximately three or more years of age. Females are more massive than males with an average mass larger by 30% or so, although overall length is the same. Females are often deeper bodied, and more prone to weight gain. Depending on standard of care , this may not be conclusive . It is possible to "candle " specimens for the presence of eggs by holding a bright light behind the fish, and allowing the eggs periodically held within the females to be seen. A very difficult species to sex accurately.

Breeding:
Not yet recorded in the aquarium with any regularity. In nature females spawn near plants, and males fertilise as would be the expected norm for this type of fish. In captivity females may become gravid but have the ability to reabsorb eggs. The exact prerequisites for stimulating breeding are unknown , although the author has witnessed a laying of eggs. The males made no attempt to fertilise the eggs,and the female ingested the eggs immediately after laying. Almost all specimens of this fish are wild collected, and as such captive breeding is encouraged to relieve pressure on wild populations.

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• • 1Set up a tank of at least 30 gallons for a pair of fish. Since Siamese algae eaters (SAEs) are difficult to sex and seem happier in schools, a tank size of around 100 gallons (to house four to six fish) would arguably increase the odds of breeding success. SAEs are also very sensitive to water conditions, and larger tanks are generally less likely to have major fluctuations over time.
    
    
    
  • 2Densely plant the tank, preferably with the use of a nutrient-rich substrate. Top rough or rocky substrate with a half-inch layer of sand to prevent your fish from scratching their bellies.
    
    
    
  • 3Hook up a high-capacity filter and consider adding a power head (designed largely for saltwater tanks) to one corner of the tank. SAEs inhabit streams and rivers in addition to flooded forest areas in the wild, and keeping part of the tank water flowing at higher speeds may help replicate natural conditions.
    
    
    
  • 4Maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. Hard water can be buffered down with the addition of a little peat moss in the filter bag (add new peat at each water change).
    
    
    
  • 5Keep tank temperatures between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
    
    
    
  • 6Make sure that the tank has had plenty of time to finish cycling before adding any fish. SAEs do not respond well to nitrogen fluctuations that occur in newly established tanks.
    
    
    
  • 7Purchase only true Siamese algae eaters. Several other species of fish, including the Chinese algae eater and flying fox, are commonly mislabeled as Siamese algae eaters. Not only do these fish not consume the hair or red algae SAEs are famous for eating, but they are much more solitary and may react aggressively toward their own species. Siamese algae eaters can be identified by their duller colors, transparent fins and single set of mouth barbels (all of the other fish have two sets).
    
    
    
  • 8Acclimate the new fish very slowly to your tank. A drip method (where your tank water is dripped slowly into a bucket containing the fish over several hours) works best and prevents unnecessary contamination with pet store tank water, as the fish can be netted out rather than dumped into the new tank.
    
    
    
  • 9Feed a varied diet of algae pellets and fresh blanched vegetables in addition to allowing the fish to graze naturally.
    
    
    
  • 10Maintain high water quality with frequent, small water changes.
    
    

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  Remember that even with ideal conditions, some Siamese algae eaters simply won't breed in captivity. Most pet store fish are wild-caught, and without more research into these fish's wild breeding habits, little can be done but to offer them the best care possible and hope for good luck.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexually mature females are normally thicker-bodied than males but it’s impossible to accurately sex young fish by external characters.

Reproduction

Not thought to have occured in the hobby although the young fish widely available in the trade are assumed to be farmed via the use of hormones. Members of this genus are known to undergo seasonal reproductive migrations in nature, moving upstream during the dryer months and in the opposite direction when water levels rise.

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