Crossocheilus
siamensis, or Siamese Algae Eater (seen here in the bottom of the image) eats red algae; i.e., the unsightly
brush algae that can ruin a planted tank. It is the only fish known to do so.
This fish is from Thailand and the Malaya peninsula. It is very good
natured, and well suited for a community tank. The SAE is often confused
with other types of algae eating fish. When purchasing this fish, be sure
that the long stripe along its body continues through the tail fin, and that the
fins are clear otherwise. See
Algae Eating Cyprinids
for further details on how to distinguish this fish from other types of "algae eaters".
SAEs can retail cheaply in the United States (under $1.50) when carried by
a local fish store. It may be hard to find at a local retailer however, in
which case ordering on-line may be the only way to obtain these wonderful
workhorses of the planted tank. Ordering on-line is typically more
expensive. I have seen prices as high as $6.00 US for an SAE at an
on-line retailer. Because of its red algae eating penchant, its benevolent
disposition and interesting schooling behavior, a group of these fish is almost
an essential addition to a high-light, high-growth planted tank.