So, you have decided to finally get a house aquarium and fill it with all kinds of colorful fish. Have you decided which algae-eating fish you are going to go with? If it’s your first-time hearing about Algae eating fish and don’t know about their importance, then you have come to the right place.
Do you need algae eaters for fish tank?
Algae-eating fish are essential for the well-being of your aquarium as, without a measure against algae, your tank will soon be covered by oxygen-absorbing algae. This can jeopardize the health of your fish and any live plants if you have any.
It is important to know that not every algae-eating fish will work for every kind of aquarium ecosystem, and therefore you should choose them wisely. We are here to help you with that selection. Following are some excellent candidates. Keep in mind that there is no one size fit all approach to algae-eating solutions for your aquarium.
Best Algae Eating Fish for Fish Tank
1. Bristlenose Plecostomus
Bristlenose Plecos are an excellent addition to any aquarium. These quirky fish are perfect at their job and therefore contribute very efficiently to any aquarium ecosystem’s well-being. What sets this species apart from their competition like suckerfish is that they only grow up to 4 inches in length, making them a good choice for the smallest of tanks.
Bristlenose Plecostomus usually come in a variety of colors, such as albino and gold. This will surely add to the charm of your aquarium.
2. Siamese Algae Eater
Meet the powerhouse of the algae-eating world. These Ravenous fish will stop at nothing and will solve the toughest of your algae problems, such as black beard algae. This species is well known for its capability of consuming all kinds of algae.
Best of all, these fish eat more than just algae. Got a flatworm problem in your aquarium? Don’t like cleaning leftover detritus from the water? Well, worry not because Siamese Algae Eater got you covered.
3. Chinese Algae Eater
So, you are bored of watching aquariums full of shy and timid fish and want to add a little spice to it? Well, you can try having an African Cichlid setup but be aware that not all algae-eating fish can hold their own against such an aggressive setup. Enters the Chinese Algae Eater fish that is undoubtedly on the bigger side of all the algae-eating fish.
Though they are generally timid and shy when they are kids, adult Chinese Algae Eater can get aggressive enough to ward off any threat.
Definitely not the best Algae eating fish out there; this proud fish distinguishes them from other fish of the same category by providing something that no other algae-eating fish offers. The fact that this is the only fish of its type that can survive an aggressive environment makes them the only option for most fish lovers.
4. Live-bearers
Known for their easy accessibility in the aquarium trade and their fast reproductive cycles, mollies, platys, and guppies will always be at your service. Another thing for which these tiny fishes are known for is the fact that they are brilliant at controlling algae production in your fish tank by consuming them completely.