Sae Eating Waste

[Zolek]

Twice now I've seen my Siamese Algae Eater eat Otocinclus waste, even going so far as to stop eating the piece of zucchini in front of him to go after it. Do I need to be concerned? Does it mean hes deficient in some nutrient? This guy is overfed if anything so I know its not because hes hungry.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Siamese Algae Eaters are actually completely different fish from Otocinclus, even though they kinda look similar, they will grow to very different sizes and need different diets etc.

What food do you feed the fish exactly and how much/often on average?


For getting the correct ID on your fish (which is important), here is a short quick list of similar looking fish which could be yours;


Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis);

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/sae.htm


False Siamese Algae Eater (Epalzeorhynchos sp/Garra taeniata);

http/freshaquarium.about.com/cs/cyprinid.../falsealgae.htm

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


Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus);

http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_fox.php

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


Oto (Otocinclus vittatus);

http/www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/speci...?species_id=107



Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)- can vary a great deal in colour and patterning;

http/animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/cypr...hinesealgae.php

http/www.aquahobby.com/gallery/e_Gyrinoc...s_aymonieri.php



The main difference between fish like SAE's and Oto's is that oto's have a suckermouth while SAE's have barbels/whiskers on their mouths- CAE'S have sucketmouths like oto's, however they are very different fish in their behaviour, size, car etc.

 

[Zolek]

I'm 100% sure I have 1 true Siamese Algae Eater and 4 Otocinclus Affinis.

The Siamese Algae eater is fed mostly flake food, with supplements of freeze dried bloodworm, algae wafer, and shrimp pellets. Once a week I give them zucchini. The Otocinclus eat mostly algae from around the tank, although they do sometimes chew on the zucchini.

The Siamese Algae Eater is definitely eating otocinclus poop, even when zucchini is simultaneously available.