How Big Do Alega Fish Get in Size?

Algae eaters are types of fish that feed on algae and can be found in both fresh and salt water environments. While algae eaters do not consume all of the algae in a fish tank, they do reduce the amount of tank maintenance required to keep algae levels low. There are different sizes of algae eaters that range from large to small.

  1. Large Algae Eaters

    • There are many different types of fresh water algae eaters, the most recognized is the common plecostimous. While many algae eaters do not get extremely large, the common pleco belongs to the catfish family and can reach lengths of up to 18 inches and outgrow any tank under 120 gallons. Another algae eater that is similar to the pleco is the Chinese algae eater (CEA), which can grow to be about 11 inches. Tangs and foxface rabbit fish are both salt water algae eaters that are also for large tanks because these fish are tall rather than long.

    Medium Algae Eaters

    • Medium-sized algae eaters usually range between 3 to 6 inches and can be kept in 20-gallon tanks. Some common types of algae eaters in this size category are rosy barbs, the bristlenose pleco and the otocinclus catfish. While rosy barbs are freshwater fish, they have a tropical look to them and are closer to 4 inches than 6. However, male Bristlenose plecos generally reach the full 6 inches. The benefit of having an otocinclus catfish is that unlike the pleco species it is small enough to clean delicate plants without damaging them. Smaller tangs can be used for 20-gallon saltwater tanks.

    Small Algae Eaters

    • The small algae-eating fish are generally all freshwater fish and rarely exceed 3 inches in length. The American flag fish only grows to reach 2 inches and has a red to pink mottled appearance. While female butterfly goodeids may exceed 4 inches, males only grow to reach about 3 inches in length. While several small algae eaters may look appealing in a large tank, not all algae eaters can get along (even with their own kind). Such is the case with Goodeids.

    Considerations

    • Before purchasing an algae eater make sure it will consume the type of algae present in the tank. Clean tanks or tanks that do not contain the correct food source can result in a skinny or dead algae eater. Foods that are safe to feed algae eaters are algae wafers and boiled fruits and vegetables. Fish tanks that are exposed to sunlight can quickly produce large amounts of algae. With plenty of food, it does not take long for the larger algae eaters to quickly outgrow a small tank.