Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) questions

[lucy42083]

I think true SAEs are fine with Discus, it is the flying foxes or false SAEs that sometimes have issues with sucking slimecoat and aggression.

When I only had 1 SAE in my tank, I noticed he often chased my tetras (not the school, though, he'd just pick one at a time) all around the tank in a frenzy. When I got him 2 friends, however, this behavior stopped completely. The 3 of them hang out all the time and happily chase each other around. In fact, the first day I got the other 2, my first SAE was going crazy doing dances and playing in the bubbles of the air pumps for hours LOL. It was so cute and he had never done this in the several months we had him before we got his buddies. So I'd say they definitely do better, and are more fun and entertaining to watch, when they've got a couple of friends to play with.

 

[battlefurby]

I just wanted to say that this thread helped my tanks out a lot. The frustration of BBA was about to get to me...

...I bought, by mistake, a CAE thinking it was a SAE. WHen he ate no BBA, I got suspicious and joined this forum.

Because of THIS thread, I was able to learn what a true SAE is. I learned its personality, preferences, etc. and how to identify one (and by 'association' how to identify the flying fox and the cae LOL)

My BBA is all but gone after less than a month of having a pair of SAE's in each tank.

I love the SAE and all of you.

 

[Squeakfish]

I have a question...
At my LFS, they have (according to those photos) true SAEs. But they go after each other and the fish they are housed with. They suck at the slimecoat and I can tell they have even left some marks..
Are you sure of this? I can't imagine that an entire shoal of SAEs would act that way, unless they weren't SAEs. I do know for sure that they are silver with that one black stripe.

 

[aquariumbydonna]

I have 3 SAE and a HUGE java moss plant, they swim though it, nibble here & there, bu the plant is none the worse for it. I have NEVER seen this fish ever be aggressive
toward any of my other fish (ranging form cardinal neon tetras to kuli loaches) so some one has a SAE with an attitude sounds like!

 

[aquariumbydonna]

I don't think they actually EAT java moss, they may be eating the algae away from the moss, don't let the good activity of this fish give the idea of a bad rap, they are a very cool species of fish to watch & have.!

 

[Dangerdoll]

I would assume they were eating the algae off the moss too. They are wonderful for attacks of BBA and do a great job of keeping it in check in the tank.... I have 3 on order now, can't wait to get them!

 

[Lupin]

I have a question...
At my LFS, they have (according to those photos) true SAEs. But they go after each other and the fish they are housed with. They suck at the slimecoat and I can tell they have even left some marks..
Are you sure of this? I can't imagine that an entire shoal of SAEs would act that way, unless they weren't SAEs. I do know for sure that they are silver with that one black stripe.

SF, do you have pics of these fish? That is not typical SAE behavior.

 

[Squeakfish]

SF, do you have pics of these fish? That is not typical SAE behavior.

Not a stock, this is the fish in the store.

 

[Lupin]

SAE indeed but that behavior is unusual. What do you feed them? I have SAE's with my loaches and severums. None of us has ever reported such unusual behavior although this abnormal behavior could be pinpoint to the dietary problems.

 

[Squeakfish]

SAE indeed but that behavior is unusual. What do you feed them? I have SAE's with my loaches and severums. None of us has ever reported such unusual behavior although this abnormal behavior could be pinpoint to the dietary problems.

Remember, this is at the store I work at. I drop in a few algae wafers when I feed them. Because of the other inhabitants, we also put in flakes and shrimp pellets. I can try and pass the word on to the guys at the store if you have suggestions.