Difference Between True And False Siamese Algae Eaters

[mrbonzai]

I've had, what I thought was a flying fox (a.k.a. Siamese algae eater). Just recently I read an article in a fish magazine and found out that I actually have a false siamese algae eater. Anyways, are these guys essentially the same in behavior and function or is there a big difference in the two? I bought it at just under an inch and it is now close to maximum length at about 5 inches. Thank you in advance for any information!

 

[n3ont3tra]

You mean siamese algae eater (aka flying fox) compared to chinese algae eater?

 

[CLOSSIE]

There is a distinct difference between a flying fox and a Siamese algae eater. Both genus are completely different from a Chinese algae eater. If I remember correctly (forum please correct me where wrong) a true sae has a jagged black line running from tip to toe. A flying fox however has a smooth line running from tip to toe with a lighter band highlighting it. Both will eat algae until they age however the sae more than the flying fox.

 

[steelhealr]

Mr. Bonzai...we have a wonderful forum here. Seek and ye shall find:

/

Answer to your question, I think

 

[n3ont3tra]

Nice post, steelhealr.

 

[Bignose]

sh's post is excellent (as usual). To supplement his info, you might want to look at this: http/www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html It directly compares all of those similar looking and sounding fish.

 

[mrbonzai]

Sorry, I accidentally wrote chinese algae eater.... I do have one, but I didn't mean to say that.

Thanks for all the help. I always thought he was a siamese algae eater, but I never knew why mine seemed to be so much fatter then all the other ones at the store, but that red mouth and two sets of barbells are dead giveaways. I'm kind of disappointed because I was really happy about getting siamese because I had one when I was young, but this guy's been pretty awesome so far. He's about 5 inches and I have a 6 inch chinese algae eater in my 55 gallon and they're both incredible fish. In the year I've had them, I haven't seen one go more than 6 inches away from the other. They seem to be best friends, lol