Bottom Feeders Compatible With Guppies

Bottom feeders typically graze algae, which grows in the presence of excessive nutrients and light in an aquarium. Most bottom feeders are compatible with guppies, which make use of the water column and do not compete with the scavengers for food or living space. Many bottom feeding species are found in fast flowing streams, but adapt to aquarium conditions, if the oxygen levels are high enough. All bottom feeders require supplementary feeding if there is insufficient algae growing on the glass or décor in the guppy aquarium.

  1. Corydoras Catfish

    • Corydoras catfish are peaceful bottom feeders. They are a social species and prefer to be housed in small groups. These bottom feeders -- which will eagerly feed on sinking algae wafers, blanched spinach and aquarium pellets -- are completely compatible with guppies. Corydoras and other bottom feeding species must always receive supplementary feeding, in recently set up aquariums and in those which no longer have generous growths of algae.

    Chinese Algae Eater

    • Chinese algae eaters are native to northern India and central Thailand. These bottom feeders are found in flood planes and lakes. They adhere to rocks using their sucker-like mouths. Chinese algae eaters, which can grow to four and a half inches in length, prefer to shelter in thickly planted areas of the aquarium or among rocks and drift wood.

    Hoplo Catfish

    • This South America bottom feeder is a peaceful and hardy scavenger. The hoplo catfish will not bother guppies or other fish in the aquarium, despite its adult size of eight inches. They are social scavengers and should be kept in small groups. The hoplo catfish can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and will accept elevated nitrate (NO3-) levels in the aquarium. A bottom feeder from the Amazon River and its tributaries, the hoplo catfish accepts sinking aquarium pellets and wafers and will clean the guppy tank of nuisance algae, as well.

    Plecostomus

    • These South American bottom feeders are peaceful and will not show any interest in the much smaller guppies, which swim above them. Plecostumus catfish are an active species, while grazing on algae, but tend to rest quietly on rocks and drift wood, when not feeding. The plecostomus feeders are hardy fish and adapt to most water parameters. Plecostomus are large scavengers upon reaching adulthood and can quickly rid an aquarium of unwanted algae. The diet of these bottom feeders should therefore be supplemented with aquarium wafers or sinking aquarium pellets. Blanched spinach or zucchini also are relished treats for these large bottom feeders.