Siamese algae
| Siamese algae | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siamese algae ( Crossocheilus oblongus ) |
||||||||||||
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Crossocheilus oblongus | ||||||||||||
| Kuhl & van Hasselt , 1823 |
The Siamese algae eater , Green Fins bar or simply Siamensis ( Crossocheilus oblongus ) is a freshwater ornamental fish from the family of carp fish (Cypriniformes). It is very well known and popular in the aquarium hobby.
It comes from Southeast Asia . Siamese trunk barbs are often due to the similar appearance with the Schönflossigen trunk Barbe ( Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus ), the "wrong" trunk barb ( Garra taeniata - or black longitudinal stripes only until the beginning of the tail fin) parodontidae ( Parodon pongoensis confused). The special feature of this species is the black longitudinal stripe that runs continuously from the mouth to the tip of the tail, and the transparent fins. It also has two barbels at the tip of its mouth, but no maxillary barbels. In addition, several species are commercially available under the name of Siamese algae eater ( Crossocheilus siamensis ), including Crossocheilus langei , Crossocheilus atrilimes or Crossocheilus citripinnis .
attitude
Siamese trunk barbs are group animals, so several specimens should always be kept in an aquarium and due to the expected size an aquarium with a side length of at least 150 cm is highly recommended. The temperature should be between 24 and 26 ° C. The animals prefer soft water (around 5 ° dGH), but also get along quite well with somewhat harder water (up to 20 ° dGH). The water should be slightly acidic. Siamese trunk mullets are quite in need of oxygen.
Siamese trunk barbs also grow to be 10 to 16 centimeters long in captivity (retail size around 2.5 cm), their life expectancy is around 9 years, but they can also get older. The sexes of the trunk barbel cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. Keeping them in the aquarium is also unproblematic for beginners. However, due to the size and the fact that the animals only feel comfortable in groups of at least 5 to 8 fish, the animals should only be kept in large tanks.
They are very tolerant towards other fish and can easily be socialized with other barbel , tetras and catfish . However, they can sometimes get rough with their own species and chase their way around the tank, especially when feeding. Since the fish are good jumpers, it is advisable to cover the pool.
Eating behavior
They are omnivores , but mainly eat algae when they are young (preferably brush algae and filamentous green algae , but not brown or diatoms ). Often they also nibble on the fast-growing waterweed or other fresh shoots if there are not enough algae. Basin plantings are not harmed by trunk barbel. As an alternative, elbows like to eat lettuce leaves (which, however, should be washed off well because of the possible use of pesticides). When these begin to denature in the water, they are particularly popular. As they get older, they also like to take live or dry food in addition to plant-based food. In the aquarium they are mostly in the middle to lower areas. The basin planting should be plentiful there: especially young algae like to hide from time to time or graze on algae and surfaces in dense planting.
particularities
Under stress, but also with dominance behavior and the associated quarrels with fellow species, their black longitudinal stripe from the gills to the base of the tail turns matt-silvery. This is a sign that they are uncomfortable in the aquarium. Their resting on plants or roots is also noticeable, supporting themselves with their ventral and caudal fins. They like to swim around in groups, often swimming against the pump jet from the filter. This behavior indicates the origin of the trunk barbel from fast-flowing waters.
breed
At best, random breeds are known so far. It is assumed that streams with clear, flowing water are required for breeding, which are very difficult to simulate in the aquarium hobby. Therefore, breeding is not to be classified as easy.
