Odd Sae Behavior?

[Kstawski]

Hey all,
 
I recently bought 3 Siamese Algae Eaters, I did my research and they are not the false SAEs. After introducing them to my tank, they all seemed to be doing okay, and didn't show any signs of stress. However, while 2 of the fish are going to town on my algae that's attached to my moss and driftwood, the 3rd one is tucked deep under a cave formed by some driftwood and just sits back there without coming out. Is this normal for SAEs? 

 

[sawickib]

How large is the 3rd? As they mature they stop eating aglae and go after the slime coat of your fish. How big is your tank?

 

[Kstawski]

All 3 of them are small, not yet mature. The tank is a 55 gallon, lightly planted, tested the water, and all the parameters are good

 

[sawickib]

Hmmm not sure if theyre new they may just be stressed, as adults you may need a 75 gallon tank, what other fish are in the tank?

 

[Fishmanic]

I have not heard of sae going after slime coat of other fish.   I have one and he's doing fine after 2 months.   I don't think he's a huge algae eater but I do see him on the glass occasionally.  
 
The Chinese Algae eater is the fish that would attack slime coats of other fish so avoid them.

 

[sawickib]

O my bad i misread dis regard my info plz

Heres a LOT of info you can read up on these guys if you want.
http/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/crossocheilus-langei/

 

[Kstawski]

I have a few tetras, 2 angelfish, a pleco, and a couple swordtails. The other fish aren't bothering them, and aren't acting aggressively. He finally came out of the cave when my pleco went over there. He swam with the other 2 SAEs for a bit but then went off and laid near the back corner.

 

[Kstawski]

So it appears that it may have been some stress from moving as today he's with the other 2, and swimming around the tank, eating algae. While he appears to be more shy than the other 2, I don't think it's anything too worrisome.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Let me dispel something in this thread that is simple not true. I have kept SAEs for 12 + years. I have raised them from small size to 5 inches and death and done it again. Never from the day they went into my tanks until the day the passed to the great tank beyond did they ever stop eating algae. They will readily eat fish foods but they will also continue to eat algae.
 

they were in there to eat all that bba- and they did.
 
Give that 3rd SAE some time. Not all fish adapt to new surroundings at the same speed. That said keep and eye on it, jik.