Siamese Algae Eater tank mates
One of the few fish that genuinely eats black beard algae. Grows to 15 cm and becomes territorial with age. Not a low-maintenance algae solution.
Lists below are built from this species record (safest, best with, risky, unsafe) — each link opens a pair-level check, not a guarantee.
Best tank mates (on file)
Merged from conservative safest and best with fields — de-duplicated by species.
The Siamese Algae Eater profile lists Angelfish as both safe and a recommended pairing. Angelfish is a semi-aggressive intermediate-care species with a 150L minimum. Run the pair checker for your specific tank before stocking.
The Siamese Algae Eater profile lists Cherry Barb as both safe and a recommended pairing. Cherry Barb schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Siamese Algae Eater profile lists Corydoras Catfish as both safe and a recommended pairing. Corydoras Catfish schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Siamese Algae Eater profile lists Harlequin Rasbora as both safe and a recommended pairing. Harlequin Rasbora schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
The Siamese Algae Eater profile lists Neon Tetra as both safe and a recommended pairing. Neon Tetra schools in groups of 6 or more, so plan room for the whole group rather than one fish.
Risky or situational
From risky tank mates and broad avoid with (excluding “unsafe” below). May work with species-only setups, more water, or mature systems — read the pair page.
None on file beyond the safe list.
Fish to avoid with Siamese Algae Eater
From the unsafe list — predation, aggression, or space rules on this profile.
Oscar reaches 35cm and is flagged predatory. Siamese Algae Eater at 15cm is prey-sized for it. Oscar needs at least 300L, far above the 100L minimum for Siamese Algae Eater. The tank that houses one stresses the other. Oscar is rated aggressive and Siamese Algae Eater is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Jack Dempsey is rated aggressive and Siamese Algae Eater is rated peaceful. No community-style planning carries that gap.
Tank size and groups
- Published minimum for Siamese Algae Eater: 100L — group minimum 1 .
- Compatibility changes when the tank is too short for turning, too little for a real school, or too warm for one species and not the other — that is why pair checks include tank context, not only temperament.
- Nearest litre hub to this minimum: 100L hub.
Easier alternatives to consider
Conservative beginner-peaceful picks from the library — not replacements for reading, but a shorter on-ramp than this species for a first tank.
Plan before you buy
Pair checks for every mix, then multi-species stocking in the builder.
Filtration & heating
A 100L minimum tank for Siamese Algae Eater needs a filter rated for at least 400L/hr turnover and a heater maintaining 24–28°C.
Similar fish (same category)
- Clown Pleco — min 110L
- Bristlenose Pleco — min 80L
- Otocinclus — min 60L
- Royal pleco — min 500L
- Common Pleco — min 600L
Related (care + temperament)
Other species that list Siamese Algae Eater
Reverse lookup: these profiles reference Siamese Algae Eater under safe or “best with” lists.