Freshwater Aquarium Algae Eaters

Freshwater aquarium algae eaters are an important component that helps create a healthy and natural aquatic environment. They not only help keep the aquarium water clean by eating algae but also play an important role in improving water quality and maintaining the nutrient cycle. If you want to run a successful and healthy aquarium, including freshwater aquarium algae eaters is essential.

1. Gold Nugget Pleco

Gold-Nugget-Pleco

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Baryancistrus xanthomelas
• Common Name: Gold Nugget Pleco
• Size: Typically reaches about 7 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm) in length
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (approximately 284 liters)
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), pH: 6.5 to 7.5, Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous; enjoys a diet of algae wafers, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, and cucumber)
• Color: Black or dark brown body with bright golden spots; fins and tail also have a touch of bright golden color
• Behavior: Calm in nature and mostly stays at the bottom of the aquarium
• Lifespan: With proper care, it can live for 8-10 years

Algae that Gold Nugget Pleco Usually Eats

Gold Nugget Plecos typically eat a variety of algae, which is part of their natural diet. However, in an aquarium, they primarily consume the following types of algae:

• Green Algae: Commonly found in aquariums; Gold Nugget Plecos readily eat this type.
• Brown Algae: Also known as diatom algae, it is more common in new aquarium setups; Gold Nugget Plecos can consume this type as well.
• Biofilm and Micro Algae: They eat biofilm and microalgae that grow on aquarium rocks, driftwood, and other hard surfaces.

Gold Nugget Pleco Algae Eating Method

• Mouth Shape: The mouth and lips of the Gold Nugget Pleco are specially adapted for sucking. This allows them to easily consume algae attached to various surfaces in the aquarium.
• Sucking Method: They suck or scrape algae with their mouths, consuming it from rocks, driftwood, and the aquarium glass.
• Daily Eating Habits: Gold Nugget Plecos are typically active at night for feeding. As a result, they tend to eat algae more when the aquarium lights are off or in a dimly lit environment.

Driftwood and Plant Requirements

Gold Nugget Plecos generally enjoy eating algae that accumulate on driftwood and rocks. Therefore, it is beneficial to include driftwood and some algae-containing rocks in their aquarium.

2. Upside Down Catfish

Upside Down Catfish

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Synodontis nigriventris
• Common Name: Upside Down Catfish
• Size: Generally grows up to 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length.
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (about 114 liters) is recommended.
• Water Parameters: pH: 6.0 to 7.5, Hardness: 4 to 15 dGH, Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C)
• Diet: Upside Down Catfish are omnivores. They eat algae, worms, and small insects.
• Color: The upper part of their body is dark brown or black, while the lower part is light white or gray, with black spots on the body.
• Behavior: They usually swim upside down, which is their unique characteristic. They generally get along well with other fish but should not be kept with overly aggressive or large fish.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Upside Down Catfish can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Algae That Upside Down Catfish Usually Eat

• Green Algae: These algae are formed in freshwater aquariums and grow through photosynthesis. They are the favorite food of Upside Down Catfish.
• Brown Algae: These include algae of the Kumpa or Fucus species, found in different layers of aquarium water. Upside Down Catfish easily eat these algae.
• Red Algae: These algae are usually found in saltwater, but some species also live in freshwater.
• Cladophora: This type of green algae grows in freshwater environments and is an important food source for Upside Down Catfish.
• Starbright: This small algae species is popular as a food for catfish.

Upside-Down Catfish Feeding Method
Upside Down Catfish typically use several special methods to feed on algae in the aquarium. Important information about their feeding process and behavior is provided below:

• Active Feeding: Upside Down Catfish usually swim upside down to feed on algae, making it easy for them to consume it.
• Mouth Shape: Their mouth is slightly wide and curved downwards, helping them consume algae and other small food items.
• Tasting: They typically stay at feeding sites for a long time, smelling or tasting the algae in the water. They spend some time on the algae’s surface to collect food.

3. Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus-Catfish

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Otocinclus spp. Otocinclus vittatus
• Common Name: Otocinclus Catfish or Oto Catfish
• Size: Typically grows to about 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a small group of Otocinclus.
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C), pH: 6.0 to 7.5, Hardness: 2 to 15 dGH
• Diet: Otocinclus catfish are omnivorous but prefer to eat algae. Moreover, they can eat aquatic plants, flake food, and frozen food.
• Color: Body color is usually light brown or greenish, with black or dark brown stripes along the body.
• Behavior: Otocinclus Catfish are peaceful and social fish that thrive in groups. They are known for their algae-eating habits.
• Lifespan: In a well-maintained aquarium, they can live for about 3 to 5 years.

Algae that Otocinclus Catfish Usually Eat

Filamentous Green Algae: This is usually found on the surface of the tank and on other aquatic plants. Oto Catfish love to eat this type of algae.
Streptophyte: This type of algae is easily available in the water and is a favorite food for Oto Catfish.
Biofilm: In addition to various algae, Oto Catfish also eat biofilm. This is a thin layer that forms in the aquatic environment and provides essential nutrients.
Brown Algae: This is mainly found in new tanks and is a good food source for Oto Catfish.
Spirulina: This is a special type of algae that is rich in nutrients and can be given as additional food for Oto Catfish.

How Otocinclus Catfish Eat Algae

Otocinclus catfish follow specific methods and habits for eating algae. Their algae-eating methods and behavior are discussed in detail below:

Mouth Structure and Absorption

Otocinclus Catfish have suction-like structures on the underside of their mouths, which help them cling to various surfaces and eat algae.

They suck on the algae and slowly pull it into their mouths, which helps them to easily consume food.

Movement

Otocinclus Catfish usually swim on different surfaces in the tank, such as leaves, rocks, glass walls, etc., and eat algae from these surfaces.

They settle in one place and move to another after eating algae, thus cleaning different parts of the tank.

Algae Feeding Time

Otocinclus Catfish are usually more active in eating algae during the day, as this is part of their natural behavior.

They are often seen eating algae at the surface of the tank, especially when there is enough light and the algae are growing rapidly.

Required Oxygen Supply

When eating algae, they stay near the surface of the tank, where there is more oxygen, which is beneficial for their respiration.

4. Chinese Algae Eater

Chinese Algae Eater

• Species Overview
• Scientific Name: Gyrinocheilus aymonieri
• Common Name: Chinese Algae Eater (CAE)
• Size: Adult size is usually 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (approximately 284 liters).
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F); pH: 6.5 to 8; Hardness: 15 to 20 dGH.
• Diet: Their main diet is tank algae, but other foods include various types of flake food, submerged plants, and vegetables (green beans).
• Color: Yellow or golden in color with dark spots or streaks on the tail, which gives them a distinctive look.
• Behavior: Semi-aggressive, especially as they mature.
• Lifespan: Typically 5 to 10 years with proper care.

Algae that Chinese Algae Eaters Usually Eat

Chinese Algae Eaters usually consume a variety of algae, but as they get older, their tendency to eat algae decreases. Some of their favorite types of algae are listed below:

• Green Algae: This is the main food source for Chinese Algae Eaters. The common green algae that grow on tank walls, rocks, and other surfaces are easy for them to eat.
• Brown Algae: Usually found in new or immature tanks, Chinese Algae Eaters love this type of algae.
• Streptophyte: Streptophyte algae grow on rocks and other surfaces and are also a food source for Chinese Algae Eaters.
• Diatom Algae: Diatom algae usually form a brown layer on the surface of the tank. This algae grows more in new tanks, and Chinese Algae Eaters also like to eat it.
• Biofilm: In addition to algae, the Chinese Algae Eater prefers to eat biofilm or other small aquatic organisms in the tank, which helps provide nutrients.

Chinese Algae Eater Algae Eating Method

Chinese Algae Eaters (CAE) follow certain methods and habits to eat algae. Their algae-eating method and behavior are discussed in detail below:

• Absorbing Mouth Structure:
  The mouth structure of CAE is suitable for sucking, which helps them easily eat algae from different surfaces. They cling to glass walls, rocks, leaves, or other surfaces of the tank and suck algae with their mouths.
• Movement in Different Places While Eating Algae:
  CAE usually swims on different surfaces of the tank and moves from one place to another to eat algae. Their movement is mainly at the bottom, but when necessary, they can be seen eating algae on the glass or high surfaces of the tank.
• Fast and Continuous Feeding Method:
  CAE do not stay still on the tank walls or rocks while eating algae but move quickly. Due to their fast speed, they can clean most of the algae.
• Difference Between Juvenile and Adult Fish:
  CAE eat and clean the algae in the tank very actively when they are young. However, as they grow older, their tendency to eat algae decreases, and they are more attracted to protein-rich foods such as bloodworms or other fish food.

5. Reticulated Hillstream Loach

Reticulated Hillstream Loach

Species Overview

• Scientific name: Sewellia lineolata
• Common name: Reticulated Hillstream Loach
• Size: Typically 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm) long
• Minimum Tank Size: 25–30 gallons
• Diet: Algae, biofilm, vegetation, sinking foods
• Water Parameters: Water temperature: 20°–24°C; pH level: 6.5–7.5; hardness: 5–20 dGH
• Behavior: Generally calm and peaceful fish that can easily coexist with other fish in the aquarium
• Color: Has a dark black or dark brown reticulated (net-like) pattern all over the body
• Lifespan: Typically can live for 5 to 10 years if kept in the right care and environment

Reticulated Hillstream Loach Common Algae Eaters

• Green Algae: Light green algae that grows on aquarium glass, rocks, and plants
• Diatom Algae: This algae is usually brown in color and grows on the bottom or top of the aquarium glass
• Biofilm: This is a thin layer similar to algae that grows on various surfaces. It is made up of tiny bacteria and other small particles that the Hillstream Loach likes to eat

Note: They do not eat hard types of algae, such as black brush algae or thread algae.

Reticulated Hillstream Loach Feeding Method:
The Reticulated Hillstream Loach is quite effective in reducing algae in aquariums. These fish use their special suction system to suck algae from aquarium rocks, plants, and glass.

Their flat body shape and special swimming ability help them cling tightly to areas with strong currents.This species of fish mainly lives in cool, fast-flowing water, so the aquarium should provide sufficient oxygen and water flow.

If the aquarium environment is suitable for them, the Reticulated Hillstream Loach can be a great help in controlling algae while simultaneously enhancing the beauty of the aquarium.

6. Molly Fish

Mollie fish

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Poecilia sphenops (common species); other popular varieties include Poecilia latipinna (Sailfin Molly) and Poecilia velifera.
• Common Name: Molly Fish, Mollies
• Size: Generally 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), with some varieties (such as Sailfin Molly) growing up to 6 inches (15 cm).
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) for a small group (3–4 fish); larger tanks are preferable for bigger varieties like Sailfin Mollies.
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 25°C), pH: 7.5 to 8.5 (prefers slightly alkaline water), Hardness: 20 to 30 dGH
• Diet: They are omnivorous, but algae are their favorite food. They also eat blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or spinach) as a plant-based supplement, in addition to algae.
• Color: Mollies come in a variety of colors, including black, silver, orange, yellow, and dalmatian (black and white spotted). There are also mixed-color and marbled varieties.
• Behavior: Peaceful and social, they prefer to coexist with other peaceful fish.
• Lifespan: If properly cared for, they can usually live for 3 to 5 years.

Molly Fish Commonly Eat Algae

Mollyfish commonly eat various types of algae, which are an important part of their diet. By eating algae, they help keep the tank clean and also meet their nutritional needs. Below are some of the favorite algae of Molly Fish:
Green Algae

Mollyfish like to eat the common green algae that grow on the walls, rocks, and plants of the tank. It serves as a major part of their diet.

Brown Algae

Brown algae often grow in tanks, especially in new tanks. Mollyfish also eat this type of algae, which meets their nutritional needs.

Diatom Algae

This algae usually forms a brown layer on the walls of the tank. Mollyfish eat this algae in the tank.

Biofilm

Mollyfish eat the biofilm that forms on various surfaces of the tank. It is rich in algae as well as microorganisms and other elements, which are nutritious for them.

7. Amano Shrimp

Amano Shrimp

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Caridina multidentata
• Common Name: Amano Shrimp, Algae-Eating Shrimp
• Size: Typically grows to about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm)
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), pH: 6.0 to 7.5, Hardness: 6 to 8 dGH
• Diet: They are omnivorous, primarily algae-eating, feeding on a variety of algae, biofilms, and detritus. They also eat leftover fish food.
• Color: Generally translucent or light grey with a series of darker spots or dots running along the length of the body.
• Behavior: Amano Shrimp are highly active and spend most of their time scavenging for food and cleaning algae off surfaces.
• Lifespan: Typically 2 to 3 years, though some may live longer with optimal care.

Algae that Amano Shrimp Usually Eat

Amano Shrimp usually like to eat different types of algae, and this is one of their main food sources. Some of the types of algae that Amano Shrimp prefer are mentioned below:
Common Green Algae

Amano Shrimp easily eat common green algae, which grow on the glass, rocks, or plants of the tank. This algae is nutritious for them and also helps in keeping the tank clean.
Hair Algae

This fine, long, and thread-like algae is a favorite of Amano Shrimp. They easily collect and eat this algae from the tank, helping to clean the tank quickly.
String Algae

 This is a long, thread-like type of algae that grows rapidly if there is excess light in the tank. Amano Shrimp also like to eat this algae.
Black Beard Algae

Although it is quite hardy and cannot be eaten by many fish, Amano Shrimp can eat some amount of black beard algae. However, if necessary, additional food or biofilm can be provided to control it.
Diatom Algae

This dark brown algae usually grows in abundance in new tanks. Amano Shrimp readily eat this algae.
Biofilm

In addition to algae, Amano Shrimp eat biofilm, which forms on the surface of the tank. It is as nutritious as algae and serves as an important part of their diet.

8. Blue Bolt Shrimp

Blue-Bolt-Shrimp

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Caridina cantonensis (Blue Bolt variety)
• Common Name: Blue Bolt Shrimp
• Size: Typically grows to about 2.5 to 3 inches.
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 68°F to 74°F (20°C to 23°C); pH: 5.8 to 6.8 (prefers slightly acidic water); Hardness: 1 to 4 dGH; TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 to 150 ppm.
• Diet: Blue Bolt shrimp usually consists of algae and biofilm, but they can also be fed specialty shrimp food and vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or chopped cucumber.
• Color: The main characteristic of Blue Bolt Shrimp is their beautiful blue color, which comes in various shades from light blue to dark blue.
• Behavior: Peaceful and social. They prefer to live in groups and spend most of their time on the surface foraging.
• Lifespan: They usually live 1 to 2 years, although with excellent care, they can live a little longer.

Blue Bolt Shrimp Commonly Eat Algae

Blue Bolt Shrimp generally like to eat certain algae in the aquarium, which is known to be part of their diet. These algae provide natural food for them and help keep the aquarium clean.

• Brown Algae: This is more common in the early stages of a new aquarium setup, and Blue Bolt Shrimp eat this algae.
• Soft Green Algae: This usually grows on glass and other surfaces and is the favorite food of Blue Bolt Shrimp.
• Black Beard Algae: Although it is harder, Blue Bolt Shrimp often eat it.
• Biofilm: This is not actually algae, but a coating of various bacteria and other microorganisms, which Blue Bolt Shrimp love very much.

9. Zebra Nerite Snail

zebra-nerite-snail

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Neritina natalensis
• Common Name: Zebra Nerite Snail
• Size: About 1 to 1.5 inches
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C); pH Level: 7.5–8.5; Water Hardness: 6–12 dGH
• Diet: Feeds mainly on algae but can also eat vegetables and algae wafers if the aquarium is free of algae.
• Color: Has black and yellow stripes on the body, which gives it a zebra-like appearance.
• Behavior: Peaceful and keeps the aquarium clean by eating algae most of the day. Can get along well with other fish or animals.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years; can be slightly longer with proper care.

Zebra Nerite Snail Commonly Eats Algae in Aquariums

Zebra Nerite Snails commonly eat several types of algae in aquariums, which helps keep the aquarium clean.
Soft Green Algae: This usually grows on glass and other surfaces. Zebra Nerite Snails love this algae.
Brown Algae: This type of algae is usually seen in new aquariums. Zebra Nerite Snails are very good at cleaning it.
Green Spot Algae: They can also eat this type of hard algae, although it takes time.
Glass Algae: They also clean this algae that grows on the glass of the aquarium.

10. Japanese Trapdoor Snail

Japanese-Trapdoor-Snails

• Species Overview
• Scientific Name: Cipangopaludina japonica or Viviparus malleattus
• Common Name: Japanese Trapdoor Snail
• Size: Typically 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm)
• Water Parameters: Temperature: 68–85°F (20–30°C), pH Level: 7–8.0, Water Hardness: 6–12 dGH
• Diet: Feeds mainly on algae, detritus, and dead plant matter. In addition, they may eat vegetables such as spinach and pumpkin.
• Color: Usually found in various shades of brown, green, and black, matching their natural environment.
• Behavior: Peaceful and easily gets along with other fish or snails. Although slow, they keep the bottom of the aquarium clean and help control algae.
• Lifespan: Typically live 3–5 years, but with proper care, their lifespan can be longer.

Algae that Japanese Trapdoor Snails Usually Eat

Japanese Trapdoor Snails eat a variety of algae in the aquarium, which helps keep it clean.

• Soft Green Algae – This grows on the glass, substrate, and decorations of the aquarium, and Japanese Trapdoor Snails love to eat it.
• Brown Algae – This is especially common in new aquariums, and these snails are good at cleaning it.
• Blue-Green Algae – Although this algae is tougher, Japanese Trapdoor Snails will sometimes eat it too.
• Detritus and Dead Plant Matter – In addition to algae, they also eat dead plant parts and other organic detritus that accumulate in the aquarium, helping to keep the water clean.

The End(Freshwater Aquarium Algae Eaters)