Algae Eaters for Aquariums

Algae is a natural growth in most aquariums; however, too much of it can become unsightly or completely mar the view into your tank. If your aquarium is becoming overrun with algae, fight the problem naturally by introducing algae-eating creatures. Before adding these animals, ensure that they will be compatible with your habitat and that you can treat them with care.

  1. Catfish

    • Many types of catfish sold in the aquarium trade will eat algae. These fish, many of which are herbivores, have a downward facing rasp-like mouth that can gently scrape algae off of glass and plants. Catfish come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 2 inches to more than 16 inches. For example, the common plecostomus catfish can grow to more than 16 inches when living in a healthy aquarium environment, and will typically eat the algae on gravel, rocks and the sides of the tank. The otocinclus is a smaller type of catfish that will eat algae, and can easily clean an aquarium plant's leaves without damaging the plant.

    Snails

    • Snails are another creature in an aquarium that eats algae. There are many types of snails, including ram's horn snails and Malaysian trumpet snails -- all of which will consume algae. While some of these snails are not decorative, others, like the nerite snails, come in a variety of patterns and colors, such as green and gold. However, tank owners should be wary of too many snails in their tanks. These creatures can reproduce rapidly, and when they're finished eating all the algae, they will move on to eat your plants.

    Shrimp

    • Shrimp are natural cleaners that will usually eat algae in an aquarium. Amano shrimp, red cherry shrimp and crystal red shrimp are all creatures that eat algae and will also add a decorative dimension to the tank. These animals pick at the growth with their claws to consume it. However, most shrimp cannot be placed with larger fish in the aquarium, or else they may be picked off as prey. They are also very sensitive to changes in the aquarium's water parameters, and can be difficult for beginner aquarium hobbyists to raise.

    Other Fish

    • While most catfish are committed to eating algae, a few other breeds of fish will pick at algae in an aquarium. For example, the Siamese algae eater fish is known for nibbling the growth off of plants and decorations. They are also one of the few fish known to eat the stubborn black beard algae. Mollies, guppies and platies are other fish species that are known to eat algae, usually only consuming strand-like algae that's easy to bite off.