What’s a Siamese algae eater vs. Chinese algae eater vs. Flying Fox?

Today I wondered… what’s the difference between a Siamese algae eater, Chinese algae eater, and flying fox? Because apparently some of them can get huge!

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#girltalksfish #algaeeater #plantedaquarium

[GirlTalksFish]

*Have you ever owned one of these animals? If so, what was their aggression level like (because I've heard some species are meaner than others)?*

[mcstabba]

Besides becoming too big for most peoples fish tanks the Chinese algae-eater is also known for becoming a terror to other inhabitants of the tanks as it grows older.

[luciusdebeers]

6inch is more than sufficient guys, don't let anyone tell you otherwise 💪🏻

[cosmoplakat]

They're all way too big for my aquarium, so I'll stick with my one loveable blue mystery snail and a single nerite. They do a fantastic job! I've never once cleaned algae off my glass; blue also cleans the bottom and the plants and nerite helps keep the wood clean.

[EpitomePax]

I asked a Petco employee for a small bottom feeder for my 5 gallon tank which has a few guppies in it. He recommend the Chinese algae eater because “they only get about 2 inches”. I went home with them and did a little research… these guys get a foot long 😂

[Constantine_Cvl]

To add a little more, the flying fox is in the same genus as the rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos), so if you want a something that acts and is shaped like a rainbow shark, but you don't like the color, you can get a flying fox instead.

[Quantumm]

Also important note that chinese algea eaters are pretty aggresive. Keep that in mind while selecting one

[coltlyles]

I got rid of my Chinese algae eater last summer not because of the size but because they’re so aggressive and territorial he was killing my community tank best to keep those guys with cichlids or other aggressive fish species

[ayoda]

Chinese algae eaters have earned their reputation. What surprised me is Siamese algae eaters can also get big (normally sold when 1-2") and can harrass other fish, especially otocinclus. You can reduce aggression by having numerous SAEs, but in my 100 gallon it was just too much trouble so I removed the SAEs (it wasn't easy) and rely upon my otos and shrimp for algae patrol.

[IBi]

There's also the Cambodian Logsucker, or False Siamese Algae Eater. At my pet store they sell these instead of Flying Foxes.

[catherinesanchez]

I have 2 Siamese in my 29 gallon community . There’s a ton of plants, rocks etc and several different types of fish . I’ve watched them and they never bother the other fish, not even the neon tetras . They mostly chase each other and push to the front during feeding . lol! And mine are maybe 4 to 5 inches max . They look like tubby torpedos .

[michaelkidd]

And what about the Garra cambodgiensis "Cambodian log sucker"? Yet another of the look-alikes that is currently being sold in my local shops misidentified as flying fox.

[shannarafryer]

I’m so glad I was never interested in these fish because I was completely unaware they grew that large

[onlywei]

This difference is easy. The hard part is when the stores try to sell you flying foxes or Cambodian logsuckers. Those are MUCH harder to tell apart from SAE.

[lynnbonica]

Thanks for explaining the differences. Good to know. 👍🍄

[felipesanchez]

What would you recommend for algae/ moss eaters/ just in general for your clean up crew. That wont grow huge 😢

[carloscastilleja]

Does anyone know the plant name the fish is nibbling on? The first clip of the “Siamese algae eater” I have that plant but I don’t remember the name of it?

[risingrat]

My siamese algae eater destroys any live plant I buy😭 but I love his chonky lil face and can’t give him away..

[ultramaximusreviews]

I used have lots of Chinese Algae Eaters back in the 80s and 90s

[IamtheonlyMark]

Lol just added simase algea eaters into my 55g tank
Just done setting everything up