Flying Fox or Siamese Algae Eater

[rdd1952]

Is there any way to tell the difference between the 2 without having them side by side. I just bought 5 that were labeled in the store as SAEs but from everything I read, they apparently get labeled wrong pretty regularly. It also says that flying foxes can get aggressive as they get older and I definitely don't want somthing I will have to deal with later on.

 

[NikkiY]

It is actually quite simple to tell. Instead of me repeating it, follow this link for the definitive anser!

Good luck.

Nikki

 

[rdd1952]

Thanks for the link NikkiY. I actually found a similar site about 5 minutes after I posted the question. Pretty much the same info on it. I do indeed have true SAEs and no fakes.

 

[Nospherith]

SAE: 3 bands
from bottom to top: white<black<grey
black band extends into caudal fin
clear transparent dorsal fin

Flying Fox: 4 bands
including a beige band above the black band that SAE's don't have.
black band ends at base of caudal fin
may have beige tinted dorsal fin

This is a pic of my SAE. It is the nemesis of algae.

 

[Lateral Line]

One of the easiest indications is the edge of the black band. FF's and Garra's have a straight edge to the black stripe. SAE's have a serrated uneven edge.