What Fish Eat Algae? Top Algae Eaters For Your Aquarium

As an aquarium owner, those green spots of algae on the glass and decor can quickly become an eyesore. While some algae growth is normal, left unchecked it can take over and make your tank unsightly.

Luckily, there are many types of fish perfectly adapted to munch away on various algae. By adding a few targeted algae eaters, you can get your tank sparkling clean naturally and prevent rampant algae growth.

In this comprehensive guide learn about the top algae eating fish available and how to choose the right ones for your freshwater aquarium.

Why Do You Need Algae Eating Fish?

Before jumping into fish choices, let’s look at why algae eating fish are so useful:

• Clear glass and decor Certain fish specialize in removing stubborn green spot algae and diatoms from surfaces, This keeps viewing windows and ornaments looking their best

• Control algae growth: By actively grazing, algae eaters prevent rapid algae growth and overabundance. Their constant munching creates balance.

• Reduce manual cleaning: Fish remove algae far better than manual scrubbing. Less glass cleaning means less work and stress for you.

• Provide natural solutions Algae eaters reduce the need for chemical algae treatments that can harm livestock, They clean naturally

• Enhance aquascaping: Some algae eaters like plecos and otocinclus complement planted tank designs and help keep plants healthy.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why algae grazing fish are so popular among aquarists. Read on to discover the top options available for every tank.

Best Algae Eating Fish For Freshwater Aquariums

Many freshwater fish will pick at algae occasionally, but certain species specialize in scraping it off surfaces and constantly foraging. Here are the most efficient algae eating fish:

Reticulated Hillstream Loach

• Algae Focus: Diatoms, soft green algae
• Max Size: 4 inches
• Care Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Best For: Species-only tanks with high flow

With a sucker mouth and flattened belly, these unusual loaches cling to surfaces grazing on diatoms and green spot algae. They need highly oxygenated water and excel in plant-focused aquariums. Sensitive to water conditions.

Amano Shrimp

• Algae Focus: Soft green algae, brush algae, hair algae
• Max Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Best For: Planted aquariums

Peaceful and prolific algae eaters, Amano shrimp clean soft plant-based algae extremely well. Their constant picking keeps tanks spotless. Need planted tanks with driftwood and hiding spots.

Nerite Snails

• Algae Focus: Green spot, diatoms, soft green algae
• Max Size: 1 inch
• Care Level: Easy
• Best For: Nano tanks and breeder tanks

Attractive black and yellow striped shells house these champion glass cleaners. Nerite snails efficiently clean green spot algae on glass and leaves. Cannot breed in freshwater. Require hard water.

Cherry Shrimp

• Algae Focus: Soft green algae, diatoms, brush algae
• Max Size: 1.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best For: Established planted aquariums

Vibrant red coloration makes these dwarf shrimp stand out. Peaceful and active foragers that clean soft green algae well. Need planted tanks with hiding spots and stable water conditions.

Otocinclus Catfish

• Algae Focus: Soft green algae, diatoms, brown algae
• Max Size: 2 inches
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best For: Community tanks and nano tanks

Also called oto cats, these suckermouth catfish readily graze on soft plant-based algae and diatoms. Schooling fish do best in groups of 5+. Need supplemented diet with vegetables and algae wafers.

Siamese Algae Eater

• Algae Focus: Hair algae, brush algae, black beard algae
• Max Size: 6 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Best For: Larger community tanks

Efficient hair algae eaters, Siamese algae eaters keep plant tanks free of brush algae. Semi-aggressive, so best housed with medium or large fish. Require supplements with meaty foods and vegetables.

Florida Flagfish

• Algae Focus: Thread algae, hair algae, black beard algae
• Max Size: 2.5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Best For: Species-only tanks or community tanks

Voracious hair algae eaters, Flagfish specialize in controlling difficult thread and black beard algae overgrowth. Peaceful but territorial when breeding. Require plant-based foods.

Bristlenose Pleco

• Algae Focus: Green spot, soft green algae, diatoms
• Max Size: 5 inches
• Care Level: Easy
• Best For: Smaller community tanks

Common plecos with brush-like tentacles on their heads. Efficiently removes green spot algae on glass and decor. Peaceful bottom dwellers, need wood for grazing. Omnivores that need meaty supplements.

Key Considerations When Selecting Algae Eaters

To choose the best algae eating fish for your particular aquarium, keep these factors in mind:

• Tank Size – Select fish suitable for your tank volume, especially plecos that get large.

• Aggression – Avoid fin and scale nippers if housing small or passive fish.

• Water Parameters – Match fish to your water hardness and pH. Loaches, shrimp, and snails have specific requirements.

• Feeding Habits – Omnivores like plecos and flagfish need meaty foods in addition to algae.

• Aquascaping – Some algae eaters like shrimp need ample hiding spots and plants.

• Stocking Levels – Reduce other fish when adding cleaner crews for best algae control.

• Existing Algae Type – Choose cleaners that target the specific algae in your tank for best results.

Take stock of algae types, tank conditions, and current livestock before getting algae eating fish. Selecting appropriate cleaners makes all the difference.

Setting Up Your Tank for Algae Eaters

While algae eating fish will snack on existing growth, preventing massive algae takeovers requires a well-managed aquarium:

• Lighting Periods – Limit light duration to 6-8 hours daily to slow algae growth. Use timers to enforce consistency.

• Nutrients – Avoid overfeeding and maintain low, steady nutrient levels via regular partial water changes.

• ** Plants** – Include fast-growing stem plants which outcompete algae for nutrients. Floating plants help too.

• Water Movement – Use powerheads, air stones, and filters to maintain high oxygenation and current flow.

• Decor & Substrate – Smooth gravel and decor leaves room for algae. Driftwood, rocks, etc provide grazing areas.

• CO2 Balance – In planted tanks, monitor CO2 levels. Fluctuations can trigger algae blooms.

With good tank husbandry and algae eating crews in place, maintaining algae at manageable levels becomes much easier.

Growing, Feeding and Caring For Algae Eating Fish

While algae eaters help maintain balance, you still need to cater to their care needs for success:

• Schooling Fish – Buy otos, loaches, etc in groups of 5+ to reduce stress and aggression.

• Peaceful Tank Mates – Avoid housing algae eaters, especially shrimp, with aggressive fish that may prey on them.

• Supplements – Offer vegetables, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, etc to provide well-rounded nutrition.

• Calcium & Protein – Provide cuttlebone, spinach, shrimp, and calcium-rich foods for invertebrates.

• Hiding Spots – Give shrimp, plecos, and loaches ample caves and plants for security.

• Tank Transfers – Acclimate new algae eaters slowly and use quarantines to prevent disease transmission.

• Ideal Conditions – Maintain stable water parameters and pristine water quality to keep cleaners healthy.

Caring for your algae control crew properly helps them thrive and maximize their valuable grazing services.

Troubleshooting Algae Eater Issues

If your algae eating fish stop doing their job, here are some potential solutions:

Issue: Otocinclus not eating algae
Fix: Supplement with vegetables and algae wafers. Increase school size.

Issue: Siamese algae eaters eating plants
Fix: Feed vegetables and provide al