How to Identify Siamese Algae Eater

To identify Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

The body is typically a silvery-brown to olive-brown dorsally, fading to a lighter, often whitish, ventral surface. The most prominent feature is a distinct, jagged-edged black horizontal stripe that extends from the tip of the snout, through the eye, and along the lateral line to the caudal fin. The fins are generally translucent or slightly dusky, lacking any red or yellow coloration.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

A prominent black horizontal stripe extending from snout to caudal fin, with a jagged or 'zig-zag' edge., Absence of barbels on the upper jaw (or very small, inconspicuous ones)., Clear or translucent fins, lacking red or yellow pigmentation., A relatively straight, uncurved black stripe, unlike the more wavy stripe of some similar species., The black stripe extends fully into the caudal fin.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 2-3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, with the black lateral stripe extending into the lower lobe.

Pectoral fin

Paired pectoral fins, typically clear.

Distinctive fins

All fins are generally clear or translucent, lacking the distinct coloration found in some similar species like the Flying Fox.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Stripe

   Look for a distinct, solid black horizontal stripe that runs from the snout through the eye to the caudal fin. The edge of this stripe is often slightly jagged or 'zig-zagged'.

2. 2

   Fins

   Observe the fins. True Siamese Algae Eaters have clear or translucent fins, without any red, orange, or yellow coloration. The black stripe extends into the lower lobe of the caudal fin.

3. 3

   Barbels

   Check for barbels. Crossocheilus siamensis typically has either no barbels or only a single pair of very small, inconspicuous maxillary barbels, which are often difficult to see without close inspection.

4. 4

   Swimming Behavior

   They often rest on leaves or substrate, propped up by their pectoral fins, and graze actively on surfaces.

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