The 10 Best and Most Effective Algae-Eating Fish for Freshwater ... - AZ Animals
Algae is a stubborn problem in many freshwater aquariums and is difficult to eradicate. These protists come in all shapes and colors, but green spot, dust, staghorn, and blackbeard algae are most common.
If you find that your freshwater aquarium experiences minor algae growth, consider getting an algae-eating fish to keep it under control. Keep in mind that algae-eating fish can only help prevent algae growth and are not going to be very effective in aquariums already experiencing severe algae bloom. Fortunately, there are several freshwater algae-eating fish that you can choose for your aquarium.
1. Siamese Algae Eaters
There are a handful of Siamese algae eater species available in the aquarium trade.
©Swapan Photography/Shutterstock.com
| Scientific name: | Crossocheilus spp. |
| Size: | 6 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 30 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 75° to 80° Fahrenheit (23° to 26° Celsius) |
The common name "Siamese algae eater" refers to several species in the genus Crossocheilus. Common species found in the aquarium trade include the C. langei and the C. artilimes. All Siamese algae eaters are bottom-dwelling fish originating from flood forests, rivers, and streams in Southeast Asia.
The Siamese algae eater's appearance can vary depending on the species, but they are generally recognized by their pencil-like bodies, black lateral stripes, and short fins. They are some of the most effective algae eaters for freshwater aquariums and enjoy a varied diet that includes algae.
Species like the C. langei eat the dreaded blackbeard algae, which many other algae-eating fish refuse. However, Siamese algae eaters will eat just about any type of algae growing in an aquarium if they are hungry enough.
2. Reticulated Hillstream Loach
There are over 200 different varieties of hillstream loaches.
©Pavaphon Supanantananont/Shutterstock.com
| Scientific name: | Sewellia lineolata |
| Size: | 2 to 3 inches |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 10 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 30 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 65° to 75° Fahrenheit (18° to 23° Celsius) |
The reticulated hillstream loachis is an unusual-looking fish found in fast-moving rivers in Southeast Asia. They go by other common names like tiger or butterfly loaches because of their mottled appearance and butterfly shape when viewed from above. Most reticulated hillstream loaches are small, with adults only reaching 2 to 3 inches long, making them ideal for medium-sized aquariums.
As a social species, reticulated hillstream loaches should be kept in small groups of three or more. They spend most of their time at the bottom of an aquarium where they forage for algae and biofilm growing along surfaces. They do not mind eating most types of benthic algae and occasionally eat brown algae.
Although reticulated loaches are found in the aquarium trade as excellent algae-eaters, their wild numbers are decreasing.
3. Doctor Fish or Red Garra
Red garra fish are used in certain spa treatments because they eat away dead skin.
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| Scientific name: | Garra rufa |
| Size: | 3.5 to 5.5 inches |
| Lifespan: | 6 to 10 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 40 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 60° to 72° Fahrenheit (15° to 22° Celsius) |
Doctor fish, also known as red garra, are popular in both home aquariums and spa treatments. These fish originate from subtropical habitats in Western Asia, where they inhabit freshwater canals, ponds, and streams. Aside from making an effective algae-eating fish, doctor fish are widely used in spa treatments for psoriasis and dry skin conditions.
These small fish have a simple appearance with a torpedo-shaped body and a silverish-brown coloration. Their short transparent fins typically have slightly red or yellow tints.
Doctor fish are a social species and need to be kept in groups of at least five or more. Doctor fish eat a varied herbivorous diet but prefer eating algae-based foods either in a sinking pellet form or along aquarium surfaces.
They spend most of their time foraging along sandy substrates and enjoy digging, so you want to avoid using sharp or large pebbles as substrates.
4. Chinese Algae Eater
Chinese algae eaters can grow up to 11 inches long and require very large aquarium setups.
©Joan Carles Juarez/Shutterstock.com
| Scientific name: | Gyrinocheilus aymonieri |
| Size: | 8 to 11 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 55 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 74° to 80° Fahrenheit (23° to 26° Celsius) |
Despite their name, the Chinese algae eater is not originally from China but rather from Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Chinese algae eaters are sometimes mistaken for Siamese algae eaters, although they are two different species.
Chinese algae eaters are a type of suckermouth bottom-dwelling fish that is hardy and slightly aggressive. They can grow huge in the right conditions, with adults sometimes reaching 11 long. Like most algae eaters mentioned in this article, Chinese algae eaters have torpedo-shaped bodies and short fins. They can be found in several striking color forms, such as gold, spotted grey, and brown.
They are relatively easy to care for, although they are sensitive to water quality and require very large tank setups to thrive. Chinese algae eaters primarily feed on algae, whether it is from a sinking wafer, pellets, or growing in their aquarium. They are excellent at scraping algae from plant leaves, glass, driftwood, and decorations.
5. Whiptail Catfish
The high-fin whiptail catfish has a unique appearance which stands out in aquariums.
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| Scientific name: | Rineloricaria lanceolata |
| Size: | 4 to 6 inches |
| Lifespan: | 5 to 8 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 40 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 75° to 82° Fahrenheit (23° to 27° Celsius) |
Whiptail catfish is the common name given to several different freshwater fish species in the Loricariidae family. However, the species R. lanceolata is the most widely available in the aquarium trade. They originate from slow-moving waters in South America and make fascinating aquarium pets that help keep excessive algae growth under control.
These fish use their sucker mouths to remove algae and detritus from different surfaces, even delicate algae-covered plants. They also enjoy carnivorous foods like small crustaceans and insect larvae.
Whiptail catfish are relatively peaceful and adaptable with a preference for tropical conditions with pristine water quality. Their most distinctive feature is their unusually long and slender bodies reaching 6 inches long. They generally have a sandy brown or reddish coloration, but some species are mottled grey.
6. Flying Fox
Flying fox fish can tolerate a wide range of tropical water temperatures.
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| Scientific name: | Epalzeorhynchos kalopterum |
| Size: | 6 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 55 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 68° to 79° Fahrenheit (20° to 26° Celsius) |
Not to be confused with the Siamese flying fox, the true flying fox is a freshwater fish hailing from Southeast Asia. They make great algae-eating fish for freshwater aquariums and primarily feed on green algae. Flying fox fish grow to 6 inches long and have a dark banded body with coppery yellow coloration.
These hardy fish are better suited for more experienced fish keepers because of their demanding care requirements. They require spacious tanks over 55 gallons and a strong filter with a moderately fast current. Flying fox fish can tolerate a wider range of water temperatures than some other fish mentioned in this article, but a heater is needed to prevent stressful temperature fluctuations.
7. Twig Catfish
Twig catfish get their name from their striking resemblance to twigs.
©Charlotte Bleijenberg/iStock via Getty Images
| Scientific name: | Farlowella vittata |
| Size: | 6 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 40 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 75° to 79° Fahrenheit (23° to 26° Celsius) |
Twig catfish are unique freshwater fish belonging to the Farlowella genus of armored catfish. They originate from South America, specifically the Orinoco and Paraná coastal rivers. As their name suggests, twig catfish have an unusual appearance that resembles a long twig. They only grow to be about 6 inches long and have a brown or tan coloration.
Twig catfish generally spend their time grazing along the bottom and mid-section of aquariums in search of food. They eat a varied diet consisting of insects and larvae, along with vegetation like green algae. Twig catfish do a good job at keeping green algae growth to a minimum, but they refuse to eat brown or black algae. Twig catfish enjoy a planted tank setup with plenty of space to swim and explore.
8. Rubber Lip Plecostomus
A rubber lip pleco can live for up to 15 years with proper care.
© Ictiologia Universidad Católica de Oriente/Wikimedia Commons – License
| Scientific name: | Chaetostoma milesi |
| Size: | 7 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 40 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 75° to 80° Fahrenheit (23° to 26° Celsius) |
Rubber lip Plecostomus are popular algae-eating fish that make perfect additions to medium and large aquariums. They do not get as large as other Plecostomus species, with most adults reaching 7 inches long.
Rubber lip plecos are named after their visible sucker mouth that protrudes like protruding lips. Their colors and patterns can vary, but they usually have a mottled greyish-brown body. However, there is a gold variety with black spots that look striking in planted aquariums.
Rubber lip plecos are relatively peaceful and hardy fish that can live alone. Algae-based foods are a staple for these fish, and they will happily eat green algae in your aquarium.
9. Golden Otocinclus
Golden otocinclus are the perfect choice for small aquariums with stubborn algae.
©Swapan Photography/Shutterstock.com
| Scientific name: | Otocinclus affinis |
| Size: | 1.5 to 2 inches |
| Lifespan: | 3 to 5 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 20 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 73° to 80° Fahrenheit (22° to 27° Celsius) |
If you are looking for an effective algae-eater for small freshwater aquariums, golden otocinclus is a good choice. Golden otocinclus are small fish that rarely exceed 2 inches long. They originate from South America, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
They are recognized by their creamy tan bodies with a dark lateral band and brown mottling. As a social species, golden otocinclus need to be kept in groups of six or more. They form loose groups and forage together in the substrate in search of leftover food.
Aside from being easy to care for and suitable for small aquariums, golden otocinclus make excellent algae-eaters. Their small size allows them to eat algae from delicate plant leaves and in small crevices that would be difficult for larger algae-eaters to do.
10. Mollies
The sailfin molly has an elongated body with large fins, giving it an impressive sail-like appearance.
©Mr.Sutun photographer/Shutterstock.com
| Scientific name: | Poecilia sphenops |
| Size: | 3 to 4.5 inches |
| Lifespan: | 3 to 5 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 25 gallons |
| Water temperature: | 75° to 80° Fahrenheit (23° to 26° Celsius) |
Mollies are a popular live-bearing fish known to occasionally eat algae. Unlike the other algae-eaters mentioned in this article, mollies are not bottom-dwellers and swim in all sections of an aquarium.
Mollies originate from South America and thrive in freshwater aquariums over 25 gallons. You can find mollies in numerous colors and patterns, such as yellow, black, red, white, and orange. These social and peaceful fish need to be kept in groups of five or more, ideally with more females than males.
Mollies are omnivores that eat a varied diet, but they have a strong preference for algae. Their upturned mouths allow them to eat algae from fast surfaces like rocks, glass, and aquarium décor. They can help control minor green algae growth but are not as effective in heavily algae-ridden aquariums. Mollies might occasionally eat blackbeard algae, although it isn't their first choice of food.
Summary of The 10 Best and Most Effective Algae-Eating Fish for Freshwater Aquariums
| Rank | Algae-Eating Fish |
|---|---|
| 1 | Siamese algae eaters |
| 2 | Reticulated hillstream loach |
| 3 | Doctor fish or red garra |
| 4 | Chinese algae eater |
| 5 | Whiptail catfish |
| 6 | Flying fox |
| 7 | Twig catfish |
| 8 | Rubber lip Plecostomus |
| 9 | Golden Otocinclus |
| 10 | Mollies |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Grigorev Mikhail/Shutterstock.com
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