Black Line Flying Fox

Description

The Black Line Flying Fox (Crossocheilus siamensis), commonly known as the Siamese Algae Eater (SAE), is a highly sought-after freshwater fish native to the fast-flowing rivers and streams of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia. Recognized for its sleek, elongated body and distinct black stripe running from its snout to its tail, this species is prized for its exceptional algae-eating abilities and peaceful temperament.
In the wild, Black Line Flying Foxes inhabit rocky, well-oxygenated waters with strong currents, where they graze on algae, biofilm, and plant debris. Their natural diet makes them excellent tank cleaners, especially for tackling stubborn algae like black beard algae (BBA).
In aquariums, the Black Line Flying Fox thrives in a well-maintained tank with moderate to strong water flow, a soft substrate, and plenty of rocks, driftwood, and live plants for grazing. They are social fish that do best in small groups but can be kept alone. Unlike the more territorial Flying Fox (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus), they are peaceful and can coexist with a variety of community fish such as tetras, barbs, gouramis, and rasboras.
Growing to about 12-16 cm (5-6 inches), the Black Line Flying Fox is an efficient algae grazer suitable for medium to large aquariums. Its hardy nature, algae-eating habits, and peaceful demeanor make it an excellent addition to community tanks, particularly in planted setups where it helps control algae growth naturally.