Siamese algae eaters

[J double R]

Look what up? We are talking about Black Brush Algae, right? Now, how would a little oto be able to eat that exactly? Don't try to be coy. *this is me winking at you repeatedly with a twitch, a jerk, and an unamused look on my face* :dog: :laugh:

exactly.... if ya dont know, look it up.

 

[geofied]

Mostly what FishyMatty said.

My SAE is over 3 inches now, started at 1-1.5 inches back in February/March. I rarely see him eating algae, but he's very pushy when food is dropped, and I mean any food, live/dead/flakes. But he's so darn cute. He spends a lot of time "sleeping" on a E. Parviflorus leaf that is just his size (I really hope he doesn't go postal when that leaf dies).

If you've got them in your 36 gallon they should be good for a while. Most things I've read say they don't get much over 6" in aquariums, if they even make it to that. I would love to see a 9" SAE, wish our zoo had them.

 

[Sammie7]

exactly.... if ya dont know, look it up.

Don't know what? Honestly.... I have read other people's experiences with otos eating BBA and they say that they don't. So what exactly am I looking up? Nice way to dance around a question, by the way. Sheesh... And STOP WINKING at me. Sheesh... You're starting to scare me...What was that noise?... :look:

 

[livingword26]

I would like to see a link that said otto's ate BBA. Everything I can find says that they won't. My SAE's have not stopped eating algae since I put them in there. False Siamese algae eaters, Flying Foxes, and Chinese algae eaters do not eat much algae, can be very aggressive, and are often sold for true SAE's. Perhaps this link will shed some light on the subject:

http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html

 

[geofied]

My SAE's have not stopped eating algae since I put them in there. False Siamese algae eaters, Flying Foxes, and Chinese algae eaters do not eat much algae, can be very aggressive, and are often sold for true SAE's. Perhaps this link will shed some light on the subject:

http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html

Yeah, all the literature says that SAE's are tireless algae destroyers, but a number of us have found out otherwise. Mine acted the same as yours at first, but once he got a taste of the "easy food", he got smart. And there is a reason I said "pushy" as opposed to truly aggressive. He doesn't hurt the other fish, he just bullies them away, chases them, butts in front of them for food. Maybe you will find differently, but as others have seen, this behavior usually manifests as they get older/bigger. And to respond to your possible inference that I (we) might have "falsies" or flying foxii, here is some photo evidence.

A pic of my SAE getting ready to chase one of my Pristella Tetras.


And a few more for good measure:

 

[Lupin]

Ok, well I gave them a try. I received them (2) today. They seem to be in great shape, and the real thing. Hope they have an apatite for black algae.

Your SAEs are truly stunners.:dance: I had them look like that before when I bought them at less than 2 inches. Now they are 3 inches in size and look like the ones Geofied own. These fish are very peaceful and eat BBA industriously.

Mine never chase any fish. I was able to handfeed them as well.:dog:

 

[cweg71]

SAE and Algae

I have a 125g planted loach tank. I had a problem with BBA and hair algae. I bought a dozen SAE's from AZ gardens for my problem. They cleaned up my algae problem in a week and it has not come back. The continuously graze the plants, rocks, and driftwood as well as eating all manner of foods. There is a lot of confusion of this species, so if you are making a purchase, be sure you are getting siamensis. I have been keeping this species for many years and have not seen a specimen over 6 inches. My current school is about 2 years old. All fish are about 4 inches TL. I feed lightly and fast my fish on Wednesday's.

 

[cmax916]

Hey cweg71,

What do you feed your SAE? They look nice and big.

-mAx

 

[FishyMatty]

I thought BBA was the black algae that covers the leaves and stems of plants. Thats what I had and they cleaned up in just a few weeks.

 

[Joergen.Schoppe]

I have 9 of them. Love them and they love me. Get big? Have a big tank.

They do eat all kind of food, yes, but are so far are very peacefull, playfull maybe even. Have them only 6 month...
During my weekly maintenance they eat dead skin of my hands and arms, are not shy at all. Cannot get them away from me then. And it's not only one or two, almost all of them. As soon as my hand is in the water, they are there.
Any one with the same experience?