Edit Crossocheilus nigriloba

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Name

Scientific name

Crossocheilus nigriloba

Described by

Authority Popta, Year 1904

Family

Cyprinidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 3 credited

Summary

Crossocheilus nigriloba is a cyprinid endemic to Borneo, known from the Kapuas, Belayan and Mahakam rivers in Indonesian Kalimantan. Rarely…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

150mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–26°C, pH 6–7.5

Hardness

1–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Community-safe

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Indonesia, Borneo, Belayan, Danau Sentarum, Kapuas, Mahakam, Bo (Borneo)

Writing

Etymology

Crossocheilus: from the Ancient Greek κροσσός (krossós), meaning 'fringe, tassel', and χείλος (cheílos), meaning 'lip', in reference to the barbels on the uppe…

Distribution

Endemic to the island of Borneo where it appears to be restricted to rivers draining Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island. It occurs throughout the Ka…

Habitat

Crossocheilus species inhabit flowing streams and tributaries with substrates of boulders, pebbles, gravel and sand, often in areas with submerged driftwood or…

Aquarium size

Base measurements of 150 ∗ 45 cm or more.

Maintenance

This species will do well in most well-maintained tanks but we highly recommend keeping it in a set-up designed to resemble a flowing river or stream, with a s…

Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

'Crossocheilus siamensis' (see 'Notes') is famed as a consumer of 'black brush' algae (BBA), also known as 'red' or 'beard' algae. These members of the Divisio…

'Crossocheilus siamensis' (see 'Notes') is famed as a consumer of 'black brush' algae (BBA), also known as 'red' or 'beard' algae. These members of the Division Rhodophyta can be otherwise difficult to remove once established in aquaria so the 'species' has achieved huge popularity among hobbyists who maintain planted set-ups.

Presumably this saleability is also one reason why several fishes, including C. nigriloba, are offered under the name. These do browse on BBA but to varying extents depending on species and in some cases the availability of alternative food sources. C. atrilimes, for example, shows a preference for fine-leaved, higher plants such as Vesicularia spp. but will also feed on various types of algae. C. langei sensu amplo is the most efficient consumer of BBA although some reports state that only younger, softer growths are eaten and that the fish should be introduced prior to any potential outbreak.

In nature Crossocheilus species are aufwuchs grazers feeding on algae, diatoms and other phytoplankton, plus associated microorganisms. The use of high-protein foods in the aquarium should therefore be avoided as the fish are unable to metabolise some components efficiently; regular, prolonged consumption can result in excessive deposits of fat and even organ degeneration.

A good quality dried product(s) with added Spirulina or similar is ideal but plenty of fresh vegetable matter should also be included in the diet. Shelled peas, blanched courgette, spinach and chopped fruit all make good additions to the menu. Once settled into the aquarium the fish sometimes ascend into midwater to feed and in a set-up as described above will often be seen browsing the biofilm that tends to form on the rockwork.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

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Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Behaviour and compatibility

Generally peaceful and can be maintained alongside many of the more popular species in the hobby although our preference would be to select fishes from from on…

Sexual dimorphism

Sexually mature females are normally thicker-bodied than males but it's impossible to accurately sex young fish by external characters.

Reproduction

Not thought to have occured in the hobby and as far as we know it's not being farmed for the trade although related species are induced to spawn artificially v…

Notes

This rarely-seen species is among a handful of near-identical congeners that are traded as 'Siamese algae-eater' (often abbreviated to 'SAE'), 'Siamese flying …

References

5 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References