Algae Eating Fish

Algae is always a nuisance for those who possess fish tanks. If they grow unrestrained, algae can suffocate the fish to death and also deteriorate the ecosystem of the aquarium. You can control the growth of algae in many ways, but it is very beneficial to add some fish, which feed on algae. There are many algae eating fish like the Chinese algae eater, Siamese algae eater, American-flag fish, and catfish of South America such as Otocinclus and Plecostomus species, bristlenose catfish, some freshwater shrimp like Amano shrimp, etc. Nowadays they are available by the name of 'algae eaters'. Some species of algae eaters feed on specific algae only, but some others eat more than one type of algae. The following are the popular species of algae eating fish.

Plecostomus or Plecos

Plecostomus or Plecos (Hypostomus plecostomus) are very popular as algae eaters as they can clean tanks by eating algae. These fish are available in small sizes like 3 or 4 inches of body length, but they can grow upto two feet. This feature makes them ideal for very large aquariums. This fish is very aggressive and may sometimes eat smaller fish in the aquarium and the aquatic plants. Hence, it is necessary to supplement their diet with blanched romaine lettuce or spinach. If your fish tank is small, you can go for the bushy nosed pleco or the suckermouth catfish, which are smaller in size. They feed on the soft green algae from the rocks, logs, and the glass of the tank. Sometimes, they may eat small aquatic plants too.

Otocinclus Cats

This algae eating fish is a genus of catfish, commonly called Dwarf Suckers or Otos. They feed on a variety of algae and prefer to move around in groups. It is difficult for them to survive, if there is no algae in the aquarium. In such situations, the only way to help them out, is by supplementing their diet with blanched cucumber. They remain small in size, so are ideal for small fish tanks. Make sure that you keep them in a group of six or more. If you have this fish in your aquarium, you have to keep the aquarium as clean as possible and check the water quality regularly.

Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese algae eater (Epalzeorhynchos siamensis or Crossocheilus siamensis) is a fish with a black horizontal band, which runs the entire body length. They lack the maxillary barbels found in fish being sold in the name of Siamese algae eater. The popular fish sold as Siamese algae eaters are actually distant relatives of this fish. They are Crossocheilus langei, which is otherwise known as the red algae eater. This fish has a brownish black body with a black band extending from the nose to the tail. They can grow up to 16 centimeters and possess small maxillary barbels and a slightly arched upper lip. They feed on red algae, hair algae and beard algae.

Japonica Shrimp

Japonica shrimp or Amano shrimp (Caridina japonica or Caridina multidentata) is considered as one of the best algae eating shrimps and is used widely in aquariums. They feed on black brush algae, hair algae and the normal soft green algae. These shrimps have translucent bodies with very small reddish brown spots on their body, which gives the impression of a broken line. They are also characterized by black eyes and a white stripe on the dorsal part of the body, which extends from head to tail. They are nocturnal and this small creatures may become the food of larger fish. Copper-based water additives or medicines can turn fatal for these shrimps, so avoid them.

Other than these, there are many other species, which are used as algae eaters. They are black molly, butterfly goodeid, Florida flag fish, rosie barbs, twig catfish, etc. You can choose from this broad range of algae eaters, as per the size and requirement of your aquarium. You can also go for different types of algae eaters to control the growth of different types of algae. Adding algae eating fish can accentuate the beauty of your aquarium as well as help in controlling the growth of algae.