Different Kinds of Algae Eaters

Uncontrollable algae growth is an inevitable problem in any aquarium. Completely eliminating it is impossible and unnecessary, since all healthy tank water will contain some algae, according to "Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies." Many aquarists use algae-eating fish in order to help keep a tank's algae population to a manageable level. Purchase algae wafers to supplement their diet, as no tank can produce enough algae to keep an algae-eater alive.

  1. Chinese Algae Eater

    • Also called the sucker loach or Gyrinocheilos aymonieri, this is the most commonly used algae-eating fish in aquariums. They are often sold as small juveniles in pet stores. They are social and very peaceful until they become adults and then they may start sucking the body slime off of flat-bodied fish, like discus or angelfish. They grow up to 11 inches long. They are slim, brown and white catfish with a prominent sucker mouth. Some varieties are bred to be a vivid bronze or gold.

    Siamese Algae Eater

    • These are harder to find than the Chinese algae eaters but worth the search for a peaceful, algae-eater species. They are also known as Siamese flying foxes, or Crossochelius siamensis. They resemble Chinese algae eaters but have a heavy dark stripe down their bodies all the way to their tails. They only grow to be 6 inches long. They are excellent in community tanks containing barbs. They may eat some mossy, live plants, such as duckweed or water hyacinth.

    Otocinclus Catfish

    • Commonly called "oto cats," or dwarf suckermouth catfish, this is a genus comprising of several algae-eater species. They resemble juvenile Chinese algae eaters but only grow 2 inches long. They also come in a golden variety. They are best kept in small groups of six or more to keep them from being stressed. They can be used for freshwater community tanks and planted tanks. Never place them in tanks with large aggressive fish, like cichlids, because they will be eaten.

    Plecostomus

    • There are over 120 species and color varieties of plecostomus catfish, also called plecos or suckermouth catfish. Always research the species before purchase. The common plecostomus or Hypostomus plecostomus grows up to 2 feet long. This makes them good for ponds and 100-gallon tanks with goldfish or even large fish, like cichlids. Smaller species such as bristlenose pleco are better for community tanks. These are nocturnal fish that hide during the day. Juvenile plecos are friendly toward each other but tend to attack other plecos as they mature. Plecos will also eat dead fish and any food that other fish have missed. Plecos have sharp barbs for dorsal fins, so use caution when netting them.