All fish / Cyprinidae

Small-mouthed Crossocheilus

Crossocheilus microstoma

Also known as crossocheilus microstoma, small mouth siamese algae eater, false siamese algae eater

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A slim, silvery grey barb-like cyprinid with a dark lateral stripe running along the body, very similar to the better-known Siamese algae eater. It comes from fast, clear forest streams in Borneo and is mostly kept by enthusiasts of Southeast Asian river fish or as an algae grazer that is rarely exported.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: algae and biofilm, sinking pellets and wafers, blanched vegetables, small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia (Borneo and possibly Sumatra)

Breeding

There are no reliable records of captive breeding. Like its relatives it probably scatters eggs over the substrate with no parental care.

Good to know

Seldom seen in the trade and easily confused with Crossocheilus oblongus and other Crossocheilus species, so check identification. It is an active jumper that needs a well-oxygenated tank with a current and a tight lid.