Top Algae Eaters for Your Fish Tank

Algae eaters are an important part of your home fish tank or aquarium. These fish and invertebrates provide a valuable service.

A common problem in fish tanks is algae growth. Algae comes in many different varieties, sizes, and habitat needs. Brown algae may grow before the water conditions in the fish tank are optimum. Fixing the water conditions often gets rid of it. Green dot algae grows on the glass in healthy tanks and nothing but scraping will remove it. Green hair algae grows in long strands. There is also red or brush algae that is also difficult to remove.

Algae eaters eat a variety of the algae in the fish tank. In this article, these creatures are divided into two types: fish and invertebrates.

Algae Eater Fish for Your Fish Tank

Otocinclus - the Oto catfish, as it is sometimes called, is a small sized fish that is ideal for smaller tanks. These algae eaters have a bold black stripe down their bodies, making them an attractive addition to your fish tank. Eating mostly young algae plants, otocinclus can also eat tank plants, and suck on the slime coating of fish.

Plecostomus - The most common plecostomus fish grows too large for any fish tank under 55 gallons. Other varieties, such as the bristlenose and clown, stay at a more reasonable size. They eat algae, fish tank plants, and sometimes become carnivorous when they are larger.

Siamese Algae Eater - When choosing algae eaters for your fish tank, it is important to find a Siamese instead of a Chinese algae eater. They look very similar, but the Chinese variety is much easier to find in pet stores. The Chinese algae eater does not eat algae and is quite aggressive. The Siamese one, sometimes called the flying fox, is a very good algae eater.

Algae Eater Invertebrates for Your Fish Tank

Shrimp - Various types of shrimp are easy to find at your local aquarium shop. Some of the best algae eater shrimp include the cherry shrimp and the Amano. The Amano shrimp is especially good at keeping algae growth down. The ghost shrimp can help with algae control, but is not ideal.