SAE?

[Allcfc]

Hi all,

Can anyone confirm if this is a true SAE? I think it is but I've noticed a bit of aggression when feeding and hoped I hadn't been miss sold.

Thank you
Al

 

[Boundava]

Yes it is.

 

[Allcfc]

Thank you! I'll keep an eye on the feeding. Seems to chase the Corys about a lot when feeding on algae wafers etc.

 

[Slaphppy7]

Welcome to TFF

How many SAE are in the tank? This is a shoaling fish, and will exhibit skittish behavior in groups of less than six

Not only do they need to be in groups, but they can grow close to 6 inches in length, a four foot tank should be the smallest tank length to house them

Crossocheilus langei – Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilos langei, SAE) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

 

[Boundava]

Welcome to TFF

How many SAE are in the tank? This is a shoaling fish, and will exhibit skittish behavior in groups of less than six

Not only do they need to be in groups, but they can grow close to 6 inches in length, a four foot tank should be the smallest tank length to house them

Crossocheilus langei – Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilos langei, SAE) — Seriously Fish

www.seriouslyfish.com

Agree and totally forgot to mention that. It is chasing your Cory's because it is exhibiting aggressive behavior because it's stressed out on being by itself. If your tank is big enough I would increase the numbers, if it is not big enough I would rehome the SAE. The minimum size tank to have a group of them comfortably would be something larger than 90 gallons in my opinion. I do have a group of six in my 125 gallon tank and one of them is currently a little over 4" the other five are slowly growing into their adult size.

 

[Allcfc]

Thanks both. Appreciate that. My tanks fine for one of course but not for a group of 6 with other stocking. Unfortunately I read online that it wouldn't be a problem to have 1. Wish I'd asked here first! I'll assess my options with rehoming.

thanks

 

[WhistlingBadger]

SAEs are kind of cool, but they're the most misnamed fish in the hobby, in my experience. I kept a single one in a 55 back when they were fairly new to the hobby and nobody was saying they needed a group. He was fairly well-adjusted, neither aggressive nor shy. But I never once saw him eat any algae.

 

[Allcfc]

Haha to be fair to mine it went to town on some BBA. Worked a dream

 

[Byron]

It has already been correctly said, but it cannot hurt to repeat what is crucial for the health and well-being of this poor fish. It must have a group, even five or six minimum. Must, not should, but must. This need is programmed into the genetic blueprint of this species so the fish "expects" to be in a group of its own. Being alone is harmful long-term. Given the tank size here, please be kind to the fish and return or rehome it.

 

[Boundava]

Agree and totally forgot to mention that. It is chasing your Cory's because it is exhibiting aggressive behavior because it's stressed out on being by itself. If your tank is big enough I would increase the numbers, if it is not big enough I would rehome the SAE. The minimum size tank to have a group of them comfortably would be something larger than 90 gallons in my opinion. I do have a group of six in my 125 gallon tank and one of them is currently a little over 4" the other five are slowly growing into their adult size.

 

[Ellie Potts]

I kept two before. I know the general consensus is that they need large groups and a massive tank, but after a few years, I found them to grow very slowly (with plenty of space and a healthy diet) and never demonstrated stress or aggression when in a tank with only two of them.
I know I can't measure fish happiness, but colors were good, no signs of stress, no illness, and no deaths. They were added to a friends tank when I had to give up my larger aquarium and have had no noticeable behavior changes even though they're now with 12 others. They actually seem to keep to each other more then the rest!! Super cool fish. Worth getting another. Or maybe giving it up entirely if you seem to need 6+

SAEs are kind of cool, but they're the most misnamed fish in the hobby, in my experience. I kept a single one in a 55 back when they were fairly new to the hobby and nobody was saying they needed a group. He was fairly well-adjusted, neither aggressive nor shy. But I never once saw him eat any algae.

So, I agree with whistlingbadger that it may not be the end of the world.


EDIT: I want to be clear I didn't *know* they were recommended to be kept in large groups when I got just two-they were all my fish store could get and I found the same websites you did saying one would be ok

 

[Boundava]

I kept two before. I know the general consensus is that they need large groups and a massive tank, but after a few years, I found them to grow very slowly (with plenty of space and a healthy diet) and never demonstrated stress or aggression when in a tank with only two of them.
I know I can't measure fish happiness, but colors were good, no signs of stress, no illness, and no deaths. They were added to a friends tank when I had to give up my larger aquarium and have had no noticeable behavior changes even though they're now with 12 others. They actually seem to keep to each other more then the rest!! Super cool fish. Worth getting another. Or maybe giving it up entirely if you seem to need 6+

So, I agree with whistlingbadger that it may not be the end of the world.


EDIT: I want to be clear I didn't *know* they were recommended to be kept in large groups when I got just two-they were all my fish store could get and I found the same websites you did saying one would be ok

You did mention aggression towards your Cory's. If you see my tank I have a lot of bottom feeders and mid water fish but my SAEs don't show aggression to the loaches, plecos, barbs, gourami or gudgeons. They just enjoy each other and I haven't even seen aggression between the six of them.

What I am eluding is that your one is showing you stress...