Borneo black-lobe algae eater

Crossocheilus nigriloba

Also known as Black-finned Siamese algae eater, Penguin flying fox

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Minimum tank: 42 gal (160 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Borneo
Family: Cyprinidae

Overview

Keep this Bornean algae eater in a small group of its own kind; it is social and mostly peaceful, though individuals can squabble, so give it space and grazing surfaces to go around. It works the bottom and midwater, constantly grazing aufwuchs and algae, and pairs well with active, sturdy community fish. Algae alone will not sustain it, so supplement with algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables and some frozen foods. Provide at least 160 liters with flow, oxygen and plenty of hard surfaces to graze.

In the wild

The Borneo black-lobe algae eater lives in clear, flowing forest streams of Borneo over rock, wood and gravel. Recreate that with brisk, well-oxygenated water, water-worn stones and driftwood coated in algae and biofilm, and some shade from plants. Keep it in the mid-tropical band, around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius, at pH 6.0 to 7.5.

Good to know

Crossocheilus nigriloba is a slender algae-eating cyprinid reaching around 12 to 15 centimeters, one of several look-alikes sold under the name Siamese algae eater. Its name marks the dark lower lobe of the tail fin, often flushed with red, which helps separate it from its relatives. Its dark side stripe breaks into a row of blotches when the fish is sparring, stressed or resting. It is not known to have spawned in captivity.

Did you know

The dark stripe along its side is not fixed. It fragments into a dotted line of blotches when the fish spars, sleeps or feels stressed, then reassembles into a solid band once the fish settles again.

Tank mates

Borneo black-lobe algae eater is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.