A cyprinid native to fast-flowing streams in Southeast Asia. It is notoriously sold misidentified as the true Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus). Unlike the true SAE, its black lateral stripe stops at the base of the tail fin rather than extending through it, and it features a yellowish stripe above the black line. It is an excellent biofilm grazer but does not eat Black Beard Algae as effectively. They require highly oxygenated water and become very territorial with conspecifics as they age.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) At a Glance
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Tank Requirements
Will False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Water Parameters
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False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Temperament & Compatibility
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard adult form. Best kept singly to prevent severe aggression, or in a larger group (5+) in an oversized aquarium with broken sightlines to disperse territorial behavior.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Care Guide Summary
The False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow), scientifically known as Garra cambodgiensis, belongs to the Cyprinids family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is typically available in one standard form.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow).
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
How big does False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) get?
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) (Garra cambodgiensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) need?
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–27°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) peaceful or aggressive?
False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) live alone?
Yes, False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) benefits from established algae (otocinclus), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
These plants pair well with False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to False Siamese Algae Eater (Stonelapping Minnow)
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Famous for being one of the few freshwater fish that actively consumes Black Beard Algae (BBA). A torpedo-shaped, active bottom-to-midwater swimmer native to Southeast Asian streams. True Siamese Algae Eaters feature a distinct black horizontal stripe that extends all the way through the tail fin. As they mature, they can become lazy, preferring prepared foods over algae, and may occasionally chase other bottom dwellers.
False Rummy-Nose Tetra
Petitella georgiae
A small, peaceful, and highly active schooling fish known for its bright red snout and black-and-white striped tail. Often confused with the True Rummy-Nose (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) or Firehead Tetra (Hemigrammus bleheri), the 'False' Rummy-Nose is distinguished by red coloration that typically does not extend past the gills. They are excellent indicator fish; their red noses will pale if water quality drops. They require ample horizontal swimming space and pristine water conditions.
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Datnioides polota
A large, predatory, and fascinating species widely known in the hobby as the 'American Tigerfish' (AT) or Silver Datnoid. Note: Scientific consensus now recognizes Datnioides polota as the valid name, with D. quadrifasciatus often used as a synonym. Naturally found in brackish estuaries and river mouths, they adapt to freshwater but thrive in hard, alkaline, light-brackish conditions. They are aggressive predators and best kept singly or in very large groups.
Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
Sold widely as a small, peaceful algae-eating juvenile, the Chinese Algae Eater (CAE) undergoes a drastic behavioral and dietary shift as it matures. Growing up to 25cm (10 inches), adults stop eating algae, become highly territorial, and are notorious for attacking slow-moving, flat-sided fish (like Angelfish, Discus, and Goldfish) to feed on their nutrient-rich slime coat. Best kept in fast-flowing river setups with robust, fast-moving tank mates.
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
A fascinating, semi-transparent schooling catfish from Southeast Asia. Unlike the more common Ghost Catfish, this species has distinct stripes or mottling along its body. They are incredibly peaceful but timid, requiring heavily planted blackwater setups with dim lighting and a large shoal to feel secure.
Common Synodontis (False Upside Down Catfish)
Synodontis nigrita
A robust and adaptable African catfish often mistaken for the true Upside-Down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris). Unlike its smaller cousin, S. nigrita grows quite large (up to 20-22cm) and adults rarely swim inverted. They are nocturnal scavengers that are generally peaceful towards larger tank mates, but their predatory nature means they will consume small schooling fish (like Neon Tetras) at night.