All fish / Cyprinidae

Reticulated Siamese algae eater

Crossocheilus reticulatus

Also known as netted algae eater, reticulated flying fox, reticulated algae eater, crossocheilus reticulata, false siamese algae eater, ปลาสร้อยลูกกล้วย, クロッソケイルス・レティクラトゥス, 网纹飞狐

This is a slender, active barb relative with a net-like dark pattern on its scales and a dark blotch near the tail base. Keepers like it as a lively grazer that picks biofilm and soft algae from rocks, wood and plants in well-oxygenated community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more, or one kept alone

Diet

Omnivore: biofilm and algae, sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables, small frozen foods such as bloodworm

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Mekong and Chao Phraya basins: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

Breeding

It scatters eggs in fast-flowing rivers, probably linked to seasonal migrations. Captive breeding in home aquariums is not known, and trade fish are wild caught or farmed with hormones.

Good to know

It is often sold mixed with or mislabelled as Crossocheilus oblongus or other flying foxes, and single fish can be territorial towards similar-looking species. It needs good flow, strong oxygenation and a tight lid as it can jump.