False Siamese Algae Eater by BearFan

[fishfreek]

[center:a14da10dc8]False Siamese Algae Eater[/center:a14da10dc8]

Submitted by BearFan

Scientific Name: Epalzeorhynchus sp.

Common Names: False Siamese Algae Eater, Thailand Flying Fox

Region: Thailand

Maximum Size: 5.5” (14cm)

[acronym:a14da10dc8="Powerhead"]PH[/acronym:a14da10dc8] Range: 7.0-7.5

Hardness: 5-8dh

Temperature: 75-79ºF (24-26ºC)

Environment: Clean water. Very picky on quality and consistency

Feeding Habits: Some algae periodically but not reliably, most artificial and live

Distinguishing Sex: None Known

Behavior: Aggressive towards most bottom dwellers

Breeding: Darn near impossible. I have never heard of anyone breeding them.

Lifespan: 5 Years

This is the fish that has most people stumped. Not too much is known about it’s origin, thus it’s vague scientific name relating it to the Flying Fox. This is a problem with the typical [acronym:a14da10dc8="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:a14da10dc8], and they will often mix the SAE with the “False” SAE in the same tank.

Discerning them from SAEs isn’t hard if you know what to look for. First, their band stops at the tail, as opposed to going all the way to the fork. Their fins have a yellowish appearance, and not clear, and have dark markings toward their connection at the body. The top at first appearance is much like a Flying Fox, being dark on top with a separating stripe from the band. Whereas the Flying Fox has a gold stripe, the “False” SAE is a dull grey. Once again, the “False” SAE resembles the Flying Fox with two sets of barbels opposed to the SAEs one set.

Whereas the “False” SAE is more colorful, it doesn’t serve much of an algae eating role. It needs to be kept to one per tank. My advice, keep looking for SAEs.

My Rankings:
Price: 10
Value: 1
Hardiness: 6
Community: 3
Activeness: 1
Appearance: 7
Overall: 4.66

Sources:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/libra...s/blfw0063.htm
http://www.aquatic-gardeners.org/cyprinid.html
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/Algae-Eaters/
http://userpages.umbc.edu/~rrhudy1/sae.htm