Algae Eaters: Choosing the Right Species for Your Aquarium

Algae eaters in a tank at home isn’t just a tribute to fashion, it’s a necessity. They help fight unwanted inhabitants on tank plants, glass, decorations and substrate – yes, I’m talking about excessive algae amount in a tank. In any, even the best managed tank, there are always some algae, but usually their amount is small and they are noteless against the other higher tank plants background. When it comes to algae eaters, there are several species that are commonly regarded as effective in controlling algae growth in aquariums.

In an ordinary tank we have at home sometimes algae grow too fast and their amount becomes numerous, so because of that all the tank beauty is missing. One of the ways to solve this issue is to get some algae eaters and put them into the tank. At that it’s not necessary to be a fish (however, the majority of algae eaters are fishes), but it can also be some kind of snail or shrimp, since there are lots of types of algae eaters.

In this article we’ll tell you about the most popular and efficient tank algae fighters. These are algae eater fish and spineless species which are rather available on the market, cheap and easygoing towards their tank mates. These are the best algae eaters, which will be an ideal solution for any aquarist, for those who love tank plants and clean, transparent tank glass.

Best types of algae eaters

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Amano shrimp is quite popular, it can be bought in a pet shop, and it’s not a demanding shrimp. It’s quite active and gluttonous, it cleans a tank not only from algae, but also from garbage, dead tank plants remnants and feed leftovers.

These shrimps are small algae eaters, from 1 to 3 inches long, which makes them an ideal option for small tanks. They eat hair algae and its species. However, the amano shrimp doesn’t eat Black Brush Algae, Green Spot Algae, Green Dust Algae and blue-green algae. And one more thing, amano won’t feed on algae if there is lots of other more tasty and nutrient feed in a tank.

Amano shrimps efficiency against thread algae algae is inversely proportional to the shrimp size. i.e. the lager the shrimp is, the more thick algae it can swallow. That’s why the most efficient fmano shrimps are considered to be the species 1.25 or better 1.5 inches long.

If you have extra large fmano shrimps, than 5 of them will be enough to clean 45 gallons tank. If the shrimps are smaller, you’ll need more of them – there’ll be 1 shrimp for 2 gallons of a tank capacity. Also, you shouldn’t expect any help from the shrimps 1-2 cm large.

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Caridina multidentata, Caridina japonica
Common Name	Amano shrimp, japonica shrimp, yamato shrimp
Origin	Japan and Taiwan
Size	Approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length
Coloration	Translucent body with brown or greenish markings
Behavior	Peaceful and social, often found in groups or colonies
Lifespan	Around 2 to 3 years in captivity
Diet	Algae, detritus, decaying plant matter, and small invertebrates
Molting	Shed their exoskeleton to grow a new one
Breeding	Challenging in home aquariums due to complex larval stages requiring brackish water
Compatibility	Generally compatible with a wide range of tank mates
Aquascaping	Suitable for planted tanks and aquascapes
Water Parameters	Neutral to slightly alkaline pH, moderate hardness
Temperature Range	70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)
Lighting	Moderate to low lighting preferred
Tank Size	Can be kept in aquariums as small as 5 gallons
Predation	Vulnerable to predation by fish, birds, and larger invertebrates
Environmental Role	Controls algae growth, recycles nutrients, and serves as a food source

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

---

Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.)

This is the most popular and spread fish among all freshwater algae eaters. The Bristlenose Pleco is rather not demanding in care and it’s quite good-looking as well, especially male fish, which has some gorgeous outgrowth on its head. It must be said, that Bristlenose Pleco fish is a rather large one and it may be 15 cm long and even more.

This algae eater food should be numerous and plant one, additionally the fish should be fed with special tablets for cat fish and some vegetables (cucumbers or marrow squash). If the fish doesn’t get enough of food, it may start eating fresh shoots of tank plants.

This Bristlenose Pleco is rather peaceful towards other tank fishes, though the fish is rather aggressive to each other, especially male fish, who guard their territory.

Characteristic	Bristlenose Pleco
Maximum Size	4-6 inches
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	5 years
Diet	Algae, Vegetables, Sinking Pellets
Tank Size	20 gallons or larger (depending on species)
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, but males can be territorial towards each other. Compatible with most community fish, but avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Appearance	Dark brown or black body with lighter spots or patterns. Males have bristle-like tentacles on their faces.
Algae Control	Effective at controlling different types of algae, including green spot algae and some forms of hair algae.
Breeding	Relatively easy to breed in captivity. They are egg layers and tend to spawn in caves or hiding spots.
Special Considerations	Provide hiding spots, caves, and driftwood in the aquarium to mimic their natural habitat. Ensure a well-balanced diet with a mix of algae, vegetables, and protein-rich foods.

---

Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)

This aquarium algae eater was just made for feeding on algae, since its mouth is fittest for this. If we talk about Green Spot Algae on a tank glass, sadly siamese algae eater isn’t able to do anything about it.

To keep 100 liters tank without Black Brush Algae, it’s quite enough to have 3 Siamese algae eaters in it. At that even small (3-4 cm long) Siamese algae eaters can manage this tank volume. When they grow and become longer than 4 cm, they can start eating small moss. That’s why Siamese algae eaters are totally not compatible with Java moss in a tank – they love eating it more, than algae.

Characteristic	Siamese Algae Eater
Maximum Size	4-5 inches
Temperament	Active, semi-aggressive
Lifespan	5-8 years
Diet	Algae (including black beard algae), sinking pellets
Tank Size	20 gallons or larger
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Can be slightly territorial with its own species but generally peaceful with other fish. Avoid housing with slow or long-finned species.
Appearance	Slender, silver body with a black horizontal stripe running from the snout to the tail.
Algae Control	Excellent at consuming different types of algae, including brush algae, black beard algae, and some green algae.
Behavior	Active swimmers, often seen grazing on surfaces to feed on algae. May jump if startled, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended.
Special Considerations	Provide ample hiding spots and areas to explore. They prefer a well-established aquarium with good water flow. They are more effective at controlling algae in their juvenile stages.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nerite Snails (Neritidae spp.)

Nerite snails are popular algae-eating snails that come in various patterns and colors. They are effective in consuming different types of algae and are known for their inability to reproduce in freshwater. First of all, this snail is famous for its bright, attractive coloring and small size – about 1.25 inch large. But besides this it also fights algae, including those, that other fish and snails algae eaters don’t eat.

We should mention nerite snail short life span, as a drawback and the fact that it doesn’t breed in freshwater.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Typically around 1 inch in length
Shell Shape	Round or oval-shaped
Shell Patterns	Varied and intricate, including zebra stripes, spots, or solid colors
Lifespan	1-2 years (some individuals may live slightly longer)
Diet	Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and uneaten food
Compatibility	Generally peaceful, but may be harassed by some fish species
Water Parameters	pH: 7.5-8.5, Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Water Quality	Ammonia and nitrite levels should be kept at zero
Reproduction	Lay small, white, button-like eggs (often won’t hatch in freshwater)
Tank Environment	Require hiding spots, smooth surfaces for grazing
Disease Susceptibility	Generally hardy, but can be susceptible to infections or parasites
Genetic Variations	Different species may exhibit variations in color and pattern

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

---

Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)

Otocinclus is a small, peaceful and active fish. Its size made it popular among the aquarists – it’s maximum 5 cm long. For small and not very big tanks it’s an ideal option to manage algae, since these tanks quite often suffer from uncontrolled algae growth.

However, this is a quite timid and schooling fish. It’s also rather demanding as for the tank water quality and parameters, thus we can’t recommend it to the beginners.

Last update on 2023-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Otocinclus Catfish
Maximum Size	1.5-2 inches
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	3-5 years
Diet	Algae (especially soft green algae), biofilm, sinking algae wafers
Tank Size	10 gallons or larger
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Peaceful and compatible with most community fish. Keep in groups of at least 4-6 to promote natural behavior.
Appearance	Small, slender body with a sucker mouth. Usually, light gray or brown coloration with a distinctive black stripe along the body.
Algae Control	Effective at consuming soft green algae and some forms of diatoms.
Behavior	Largely active during the day, constantly moving and grazing on surfaces to feed on algae.
Special Considerations	Provide hiding spots and areas with plants or driftwood. Avoid keeping with aggressive or fin-nipping fish. Sensitive to water quality, so regular maintenance and water changes are important.

---

Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

Chinese algae eater is a typical representative of algae eaters fish, it inhabits in fast rivers and it’s got used to scrape off hard fouling from stones. It’s a large fish and, unfortunately, it is quite a quarrelsome one.

It fights not only with fish of its kind, but also with other tank mates, especially if they are alike in appearance. Old Chinese algae eaters stop eating algae and start eating live feed or they attack large fishes and eat their scales.

It’s important to note that the Chinese Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) is often mistakenly sold as an effective algae eater for aquariums. While they do consume algae when young, they tend to shift towards a more carnivorous diet as they mature, and their effectiveness at controlling algae decreases. Their territorial and aggressive nature makes them unsuitable for most community tanks, and they can become problematic tank mates for other fish. Careful consideration should be given before adding Chinese Algae Eaters to an aquarium.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Chinese Algae Eater
Maximum Size	6-10 inches
Temperament	Aggressive and territorial
Lifespan	5-10 years
Diet	Algae (when young), but shift towards a more carnivorous diet as they mature. May consume fish slime coats and exhibit fin-nipping behavior.
Tank Size	30 gallons or larger (to accommodate their size)
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Can become aggressive towards other fish, especially as they mature. Not suitable for community tanks, particularly with slow-moving or long-finned fish.
Appearance	Slender, elongated body with a brown or olive coloration. As they mature, they develop a golden hue on their body and a distinctive black stripe running along the lateral line.
Algae Control	While they consume algae when young, their effectiveness as algae eaters decreases as they mature. They may primarily feed on fish food and neglect algae.
Behavior	Can be active swimmers, but also spend time clinging to surfaces using their sucker-like mouth. May jump if startled, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended.
Special Considerations	Avoid keeping them with fish species that have long fins or slow movement. Be cautious about their territorial behavior as they may harass tankmates. Consider their long-term size and care requirements.

---

Hillstream Loach (Sewellia spp.)

Hillstream Loaches are unique and fascinating fish that are well-adapted to fast-flowing streams and rivers. They are valued for their ability to graze on algae and contribute to the overall cleanliness of the aquarium. Their streamlined body shape and specialized mouthparts make them excellent climbers and algae eaters. It’s important to replicate their natural habitat by providing strong water flow, oxygenation, and suitable hiding spots.

While Hillstream Loaches are generally peaceful, it’s important to ensure compatibility with other fish species and avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates. Regular water changes and maintenance are essential for their well-being, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.

Supplementing their diet with sinking algae wafers or blanched vegetables will help provide a balanced nutrition in addition to their natural algae grazing. By providing a suitable environment and proper care, Hillstream Loaches can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Hillstream Loach
Maximum Size	2-4 inches (depending on the species)
Temperament	Peaceful and active
Lifespan	5-8 years (can vary)
Diet	Herbivorous. Feed on algae, biofilm, and small invertebrates. Supplement with sinking algae wafers or blanched vegetables
Tank Size	20 gallons or larger (to provide sufficient swimming space and water flow)
Water Conditions	Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Generally peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive fish species. Avoid housing them with fin-nipping or overly territorial tankmates
Appearance	Streamlined body with a flattened ventral side. Patterns and coloration vary depending on the species, ranging from mottled brown to black with intricate markings
Algae Control	Effective at consuming diatoms, soft green algae, and other forms of algae that grow in fast-flowing water
Behavior	Active and adapted to fast-flowing water environments. They are excellent climbers and have specialized mouthparts for grazing on surfaces
Special Considerations	Provide strong water flow and oxygenation in the aquarium to mimic their natural habitat. Include flat rocks, smooth substrates, and driftwood to create suitable hiding spots. Avoid keeping them in slow-moving or stagnant water conditions

---

Molly fish (Poecilia spp.)

They are not as demanding, as the types of algae eaters mentioned above. The molly fish eats all types of hair algae and even a thin crust on a tank glass. However, their efficiency isn’t very high if compared to Siamese algae eaters, Chinese algae eaters and large amano shrimps. Nevertheless, mollies are kept in tanks with plants, because they are always on sale, which is important if it is urgent (algae outbreak in a tank).

Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Molly Fish
Maximum Size	2-4 inches (depending on the species and variety)
Temperament	Generally peaceful, but males can be slightly aggressive towards each other or other fish with long fins
Lifespan	2-5 years (can vary)
Diet	Omnivorous, primarily herbivorous. Require a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, vegetables, and occasional live or frozen foods
Tank Size	20 gallons or larger (to provide adequate swimming space)
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-82°F (22-28°C), pH: 7.0-8.5, Hard water preferred
Compatibility	Generally compatible with other peaceful community fish, but avoid housing them with fin-nipping or aggressive species
Appearance	Various color variations and patterns available. Typically have a sleek, elongated body shape with a triangular dorsal fin
Breeding	Livebearers, meaning they give birth to live fry. Males have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium used for fertilization
Behavior	Active swimmers that occupy various levels of the aquarium. They may nip at plants, so hardy plant species or artificial decorations are recommended
Special Considerations	Provide plenty of hiding spots and plants for them to explore and seek shelter. Mollies prefer a well-maintained aquarium with stable water conditions. They may benefit from the addition of some salt to the water (check species-specific requirements)

---

Twig Catfish (Farlowella spp.)

Twig Catfish are fascinating and unique additions to freshwater aquariums. They are known for their excellent algae-eating capabilities and their resemblance to twigs or branches. It’s important to provide a well-established aquarium with sufficient hiding spots and plants to mimic their natural environment. Additionally, these catfish may require supplemental feeding with sinking pellets or blanched vegetables if there is limited algae growth in the aquarium. They are generally peaceful, but it’s advisable to avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Last update on 2023-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Twig Catfish
Maximum Size	4-10 inches (depending on the species)
Temperament	Peaceful and shy
Lifespan	5-10 years (can vary)
Diet	Herbivorous. Primarily feed on algae and biofilm, but may accept sinking pellets or blanched vegetables
Tank Size	30 gallons or larger (to provide ample swimming and hiding space)
Water Conditions	Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH: 6.5-7.5, Soft to moderately hard water
Compatibility	Generally peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive fish species. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or overly aggressive tankmates
Appearance	Elongated, slender body with a twig-like appearance. Camouflage coloration with patterns that mimic their natural habitat
Algae Control	Effective at consuming various types of algae, including diatoms and soft green algae
Behavior	Nocturnal and shy. They spend much of their time clinging to surfaces or resting on plants. They may be territorial towards their own species, especially males
Special Considerations	Provide plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood or dense vegetation. They may require a higher oxygen level in the aquarium due to their body shape. Tankmates should be chosen carefully to ensure peaceful coexistence

Ramshorn snails (Planorbis sp.)

Ramshorn snail is one of the most spread, simple in care and fruitful aquarium snails. Sometimes some aquarists say that is also eats tank plants, but it’s not true. It’s jaws are rather weak to bite hard leaves of higher plants. However, as for microalgae they are very efficient, although it’s not very obvious objectively.

At least, my observation is, that in a tank with juveniles there’s less algae if there are some Ramshorm snails in it. Besides, they feed quite well on food leftovers and this way keep the tank clean.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Family	Planorbidae
Size	1/4 inch to 1 inch (0.6 cm to 2.5 cm) in shell diameter
Shell Shape	Coiled spiral
Shell Color	Varies (brown, red, translucent)
Body Structure	Soft, elongated body with a muscular foot
Lifespan	Typically 1 to 2 years
Habitat	Freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow streams
Feeding Behavior	Herbivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter and algae
Reproduction	Hermaphroditic, laying eggs in clusters or gelatinous masses
Environmental Tolerance	Adaptable to a range of water conditions
Predators	Fish, turtles, water birds, and some invertebrates
Ecological Role	Helps in nutrient cycling, algae control, and detritus removal
Benefits in Aquariums	Cleans up organic debris, contributes to a balanced ecosystem

---

Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Cherry shrimp is the most spread one among aquarists, since it breeds easily. Small shrimps, 0.5-1 inch long are efficient towards algae mainly due to their large number in a tank (one or more shrimps for 1 liter of tank capacity). As well as Amano shrimps, cherrry shrimp prefers hair algae.

Considering their small size they can eat only some kinds of soft algae, such as Rhizoclonium, for example. These shrimps are irreplaceable when starting a planted tank. The shrimp actively feeds on rotten leaves of newly planted greenery and fights Rhizoclonium, which almost always appears during the 1st month of planted tank existence and it can sufficiently slow down the growth of tank pants by covering them completely.

Usually cherry srimp plays the main part in processing of feed leftovers in a settled tank, thereby it keeps the tank balance and prevents snails excessive breeding.

Last update on 2023-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi
Common Names	Cherry shrimp, Red cherry shrimp, RCS
Maximum Size	Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Lifespan	1 to 2 years (can vary based on care and environmental factors)
Color Variations	Red
Body Shape	Compact and elongated
Antennae	Long, thin, and highly sensitive
Gender Differences	Males are generally smaller and more slender than females
Behavior	Peaceful and social, often seen grazing on surfaces and plants
Water Temperature	68°F to 78°F (20°C to 25°C)
pH Range	7.0 to 8.0 (slightly alkaline to neutral)
Water Hardness	Soft to moderately hard water (4-8 dGH)
Tank Size	5 gallons (19 liters) or larger
Diet	Omnivorous, feeding on biofilm, algae, and small organic matter
Breeding	Easy to breed; females carry and hatch eggs
Tank Compatibility	Peaceful and compatible with many community fish and invertebrates
Natural Habitat	Freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds in Taiwan and Asia