Kinds of Algae Feeders

Algae-eating fish include both those species with body armor and those without. Algae eaters are all demersal, or bottom-dwelling fish, and many species are most active during the hours of darkness. These fish tend to rest on sunken driftwood and rocks on the river bottom or among aquatic vegetation during the day. Their diet is made up algae, which grows over rocks, drift wood and the river substrate. The many algae-eating species tend not to disturb other fish types, but may be territorial among themselves.

  1. Corydoras Catfish

    • The several species of corydoras catfish are all similar in both behavior and physical appearance. Corydoras are termed armored catfish because of the bony plates that cover their body. These catfish utilize the pair of barbels attached to their upper jaw to locate food items in the substrate. The various species of corydoras catfish are all relatively small fish, ranging in size from 2 to 3 inches in length. These catfish possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the environment. Corydoras are peaceful catfish and sought-after by aquarists. These little catfish prefer a water temperature between 70 and 79 degrees F.

    Hoplo Catfish

    • These catfish inhabit the Amazon River and its tributaries and are able to tolerate a range of water parameters. Male hoplo catfish, which are protective fathers, create a bubble nest in which the eggs develop. Hoplo catfish are more active at night and rest on sunken drift wood and rocks during most of the day. This species prefers a high temperature and slightly acidic water. Hoplo catfish in aquariums should be kept at a temperature close to 85 degrees F and at a pH of 6.5.

    Plecostomus

    • The plecostomus catfish possesses a highly modified mouth and lips, which allow it to rasp algae from rocks while simultaneously breathing and remaining attached to the rocks or drift wood. The digestive tract of this armored catfish also functions as an organ for respiration. The plecostomus is a nocturnal catfish, resting on rocks and pieces of drift wood through the day. This active scavenger can reach an adult length of 24 inches. Aquarists should only include one plecostomus per tank, as this armored catfish is territorial. Captive plecostomus should be provided with pieces of driftwood, as the cellulose they rasp from the wood while grazing on algae is important for their digestive processes. Plecostomus prefer water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, in the region of 6.5 to 7.0.

    Siamese Algae Eater

    • This attractive algae eater is territorial in the aquarium and must either be housed alone or in small groups of up to five individuals. Siamese algae eaters are hardy and active fish that do well in water with a neutral pH. Under captive conditions these fish tend to jump and the aquarium must have a well-fitting canopy. The Siamese algae eater is most comfortable in a heavily planted aquarium and does best in water with a neutral pH. These fish require highly oxygenated water and a well-filtered aquarium. As with all algae eaters, this species spends most of its waking hours foraging for algae growths.