Siamese Algae Eater

About

A slender, active cyprinid from Southeast Asia, Crossocheilus atrilimes is one of the fish most commonly sold under the trade names 'Siamese algae eater' and 'Siamese flying fox'. Though those labels are applied so loosely that knowing exactly which species you're actually buying takes some careful observation. This particular species is native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, where it inhabits clear-water stretches with gravel or boulder substrates, favoring somewhat quieter runs than its close relative C. oblongus. It's identifiable by a bold black stripe running from the snout all the way to the tip of the caudal fin, pale dusky yellow fins, a curved lateral line, and a single pair of rostral barbels with no visible maxillary barbels. Notably, during sparring the dark stripe becomes broader and paler. A useful behavioral ID clue that sets it apart from similar species. In the aquarium this is a peaceful, undemanding fish well-suited to community setups, and it does best kept in a loose group of six or more. Smaller groups often result in persistent bullying of weaker individuals. Kept in good numbers, the fish form a natural social hierarchy and show genuinely interesting interactions with one another. Captive breeding hasn't been documented, with trade specimens assumed to be hormone-spawned on fish farms.