Reticulated Sae

The reticulated flying fox or reticulated SAE (Crossocheilus reticulatus) is a large, attractive algae-eating cyprinid from the rivers of mainland Southeast Asia. It occurs throughout the Chao Phraya drainage in central Thailand and the Mekong basin in eastern Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China. This species inhabits flowing streams and tributaries with substrates of boulders, pebbles, gravel, and sand, often in areas with submerged driftwood or tree roots. The combination of a silvery body, dark-edged scales creating a reticulated pattern, and a distinctive dark blotch on the caudal peduncle sets it apart from all other members of the genus.

Reaching 16–17 cm (6.3–6.7 in) in standard length, this is one of the larger members of Crossocheilus and a group requires a spacious aquarium with base dimensions of at least 180 × 45 cm (approximately 365 L / 96 gal). They are shoaling fish that develop a distinct pecking order and should be maintained in groups of six or more, as smaller numbers can result in weaker individuals being incessantly bullied. Like other members of the genus, they are aufwuchs grazers that feed on algae, diatoms, phytoplankton, and associated microorganisms in nature.

In the aquarium, a varied diet of quality dried foods with added Spirulina, supplemented with fresh vegetables such as blanched courgette, spinach, shelled peas, and chopped fruit, is ideal. High-protein foods should be avoided as the fish cannot metabolise them efficiently. This species requires cool, well-oxygenated water with a temperature of 16–24°C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness of 18–215 ppm, and is intolerant of organic waste accumulation. A river-style set-up with variably-sized rocks, gravel, driftwood, and robust plants such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias attached to the décor replicates its natural habitat well.