All fish / Cyprinidae

Crossocheilus obscurus

Crossocheilus obscurus

Also known as bornean siamese algae eater, obscure algae eater, crossocheilus sp. borneo

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This slim, silvery to brownish barb has a dark stripe running along its side, much like its better known relative the Siamese algae eater. It comes from flowing forest streams in Borneo and is kept for its active grazing on algae and biofilm. It is seen less often in the trade and tends to appeal to keepers who collect particular species.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, 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, Kalimantan river basins)

Breeding

It scatters its eggs and gives no parental care. There are no reliable reports of it breeding in home aquariums, so fish in the trade are probably caught in the wild.

Good to know

It looks very similar to other Crossocheilus species and to Garra and Epalzeorhynchos look-alikes, so it is often sold under the wrong name. Keep it in a well oxygenated tank with some water flow and a tight lid, because it can jump.