8 Best Algae Eater Fish That You Will Enjoy

Reticulated Hillstream Loach

Ideal for cleaning flat surfaces like aquarium walls and rocks. Keep them in groups to minimize aggression, in cool water with stable pH, and feed high-quality sinking foods.

Amano Shrimp

Nimble algae eaters that can reach into narrow spaces. Keep in groups for effective algae control. They eat black beard algae and hair algae, requiring moderation in feeding.

Nerite Snails

Effective at scraping tough algae like green spot algae. Their eggs don’t hatch in freshwater, controlling population naturally. Provide calcium for shell health.

Cherry Shrimp

Brightly colored and breed easily, these dwarf shrimp help maintain aquarium cleanliness by consuming excess food and algae. They thrive in planted tanks.

Otocinclus Catfish

Small and slender, perfect for tight spaces. They eat diatom algae from glass and plant leaves. Feed them a varied diet including vegetables and algae wafers.

Siamese Algae Eater

Excellent for larger aquariums, eating hair algae and black beard algae. Best in groups to reduce territorial behavior. Avoid overfeeding to maintain algae-eating habits.

Florida Flagfish

Known for their algae-eating prowess, especially hair algae and black beard algae. Keep in unheated tanks with fast-swimming tank mates to avoid plant damage.

Bristlenose Plecostomus

Peaceful algae eaters suitable for medium-sized tanks. Feed them sinking wafers and ensure a varied diet to supplement algae.

Small Aquarium Fish: Best Species for Your Tank