What Are Some Good Bottom Feeder Tropical Fish?

Setting up an aquarium can be a wonderful hobby, but it is important to choose the right fish. Selecting an assortment of top swimmers, middle swimmers and bottom dwellers will make the tank look its best. Those bottom feeders also will keep the tank clean, an important consideration no matter what the size of your aquarium. Bottom feeders scoop up uneaten food that otherwise would contaminate the tank.

  1. Pleco Catfish

    • The plecosotmous catfish is one of the most interesting--and valuable--additions to the home aquarium. These catfish are very good at picking up uneaten food and keeping it from contaminating the tank. The pleco also has an armor plating that makes it a good choice for tanks with aggressive fish.

    Clown Loach

    • The clown loach is one of the most attractive bottom feeders, and its stunning orange and black stripes are sure to get the attention observers' attention. These fish can be large, but they are peaceful, and will not bother the other tank residents. Adding a few loaches is one of the best ways to keep the tank clean.

    Crayfish

    • Crayfish are among the most interesting of bottom feeders, and many hobbyists find that adding one is the most effective way to keep get rid of uneaten food. That is because crayfish are particularly good at picking through even the coarsest gravel in search of food. Like the armored catfish, crayfish are very good for tanks with aggressive fish. The combination of built-in body armor and daunting pincers will keep all but the most determined predatory fish at bay. However, its pincers can hurt fish, so don't house crayfish smaller species.