Kinds of Algae Eaters

Algae are simple organisms that create their own food via photosynthesis and thrive in many tanks. Although beneficial in small quantities, algae have the potential to ruin the aesthetics and conditions within an aquarium. Algae-eating creatures can help with the task of keeping algae populations in check.

  1. Zebra Nerite Snail

    • The Zebra Nerite Snail (Neritina natalensis) could be considered one of the more unique algae eaters. This little creature ranges from a half inch to a full inch in size, and earns its name from its zebra-striped shell. It requires brackish water to breed, and unfortunately cannot be bred in pure freshwater. On the plus side, the Zebra Nerite is an avid algae eater and will leave your tank spotless. Aquarium hobbyists often purchase them more for their appetite for algae than their unique appearance, as this type of snail will clean everything from rocks to leaves.

    Siamese Algae Eater

    • The Siamese Algae Eater devours the black brush variety of algae. A fish adorned with a silverish body, it has a black stripe that is sometimes accompanied by a gold or bronze stripe. Docile, unlike the aggressive Chinese variety, they tend to make good aquarium companions with other creatures.

    Amano Shrimp

    • Hardy consumers, the Amano Shrimp (Caridina Japonica) make a valuable addition to your home-based aquatic world because they will eat types of algae many other algae eaters leave alone, as well as clean up excess food. Similar to the Zebra Nerite, it requires salty water to procreate. Due to their relatively large size, most normal community fish will not try to eat them, and they are generally not aggressive to fellow tank inhabitants.