14 Best Algae Eaters: Snails, Shrimp & Fish - AC Aquarium Life (2023)

A small amount of algae growing in your aquarium is typical. However, with conditions such as standing water, excessive lighting, and other factors of poor water quality, you can expect algae to grow and contaminate your tank.

If the algae population is in full bloom, it may be too late. Aside from causing mass die-off, total water changes and general cleaning may be your course of action. This takes a lot of time and effort.

But why clean yourself when your aquarium animals can do it for you in advance?

Aquarium pets (such as fish, shrimp and snails) are not just bred to please your eyes and enhance the aesthetic value of your aquarium. Ecologically, they serve a purpose.

Although not all of them, some of their species are algae eaters. It gives them the natural ability to control an algal outbreak and prevent algal blooms.

Join us in this article as we present the best algae eaters used in the aquarium industry and hobbyists.

Snails

Most of us bred snails in our aquarium for their peaceful, slow-paced behavior and the aesthetic contribution of their colorful carapace. In addition, you should be aware of itsnails are garbage eaters. They feed on everything that can be found on the substrate.

Aside from dead plants and leftover food, snails eat algae. It is part of their diet. Even when moving slowly, these gastropods are fast at consuming algae because they passively devour food while crawling.

The mechanism for feeding snails is through a flexible network of microscopic teeth called a radula. This radula scrapes food from any surface and absorbs it towards the mouth.

Here are the best algae-eating snails.

Nerite snails

These snails form a large taxonomic group under the Neritidae family. Some of them are salt water, brackish water and fresh water snails. While there are different types of nerite snails, the most commonly bred for the aquarium trade are:

Despite their differences in shell colour, they are small (2 cm) and have a solid round shell with a spiral cord design.

Because they are small, they can scrape off algae that grow in hard-to-reach places such as driftwood and aesthetic decorations. In addition, they have a voracious appetite for green spot algae that sit firmly on the surface.

Among the snail family,Nerite snailsare the best algae eaters. To control rapid algae growth in a 20-gallon tank, you only need four snails.

Fun fact. Did you know that nerite snail eggs do not hatch in fresh water? Their sesame seed-shaped eggs only hatch when the salinity reaches 5ppt.

Malaysian trumpet snail(Melanoides tuberculata)

Also called the red-rimmed Melania snail, this trumpet-shaped gastropod is ideal for brackish water and freshwater tanks. Although they have an elongated shell, they are small algae-eating snails and grow to less than an inch.

They specialize in eating soft thread algae, especially those loosely attached to a surface.

Fun fact. althoughMalaysian trumpet snailsdo not feed on live plants, they can still damage your aquatic flora, but unique. They have this plowing behavior when foraging for food and can uproot shallow-rooted plants.

Mysterious snails(Pomacea bridgesii)

These yellow-colored gastropods are ideal for warm freshwater tanks. They specialize in eating algae that grow in the glass and substrate.

With their voracious appetite for algae, be aware that they feed on algae that grow on living plants. They can damage your water flora. So to prevent them from harming your live plants, especially when algae growth is minimal, feed them with complementary foods like wafer feeders.

Fun fact. Did you know mostmysterious snailssold on the market are juveniles? Also known as the Spiketop Applesnail, don't be surprised if they grow to the size of a tennis ball as they can reach up to 65mm in diameter.

Shrimps

As a scavenger, bottom crawler, and with two pairs of walking legs transformed into claws (periopods) for grabbing food, shrimp are considered one of the best algae eaters.

Except fish poop, sheEat everythingsuch as leftover feed, dead plants and dead animals settled on the bottom. Algae make up a large part of their diet. They are known to consume brush algae, filamentous algae and hair algae.

What sets them apart from other algae eaters is their ability to consume the dreaded onesblack beard algae.

A typical shrimp feeding behavior is to concentrate on one area before moving in search of another feeding ground. Once they have found a breeding ground, feeding begins immediately. Using their periopods, they cut off small algae filaments and held them to their mouths.

Unlike the passive feeding behavior of snails, shrimps are active feeders. The only downside to shrimp is that they only eat algae when they are hungry. To maintain his constant starvation, feeding with complementary foods is not recommended.

Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

With the number 1 seat, Amano shrimp is the best algae-eating shrimp. Besides having a voracious appetite, they are not fussy. They consume all types of algae, including the infamous black beard algae.

Amano shrimp are perfect for aquariums with lots of hiding places and limited passageways. Most algae eaters remain in the open space of the substrate. But Amano shrimp, with their small and elongated body (5 cm), can penetrate and grab algae growing in narrow passages.

One good thing about Amano shrimp is that they are tolerant of changes in water parameters. They are also not expensive compared to other algae eaters.

Fun fact. Did you know that a single breeding cycle for Amano shrimp would take six months? While adult Amano shrimp are raised in freshwater tanks, their eggs will not hatch under such conditions. Amano shrimp eggs only hatch in salt water and the baby shrimps (called prawns) are released alive.

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

In comparison, a single cherry shrimp is not as effective as the algae consumption of a single Amano shrimp. However, with the way we value their aesthetic contribution to the tank and store them in higher quantities, their total algae consumption would match that of a few Amano shrimp.

Cherry shrimp are brightly colored aquarium animals. Although their wild origins are transparent and greenish-brown in color, selective breeding has resulted in various colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and striped.

We know we caught your attention when we talked about large quantities. Yes, that is the custom to reach and match their algae consuming abilities with Amano shrimp. However, you don't just fill and load your tank with lots of cherry shrimp.

Ofideal occupancy densityis three shrimp per litre. This way you give them enough space to grow and mature. If you maintain this stocking density, you will soon see baby cherry shrimps. They multiply quickly and their reproductive cycle is short.

Bamboo Shrimp(Atyopsis moluccensis)

This medium-sized shrimp that can grow up to 10 cm in size was not kept in the aquarium to consume algae. They were bred for their unique color pattern that mimics bamboo, wood or wood.

However, because they are traded worldwide and have been a staple in the US and European aquarium industry, their ability to eat algae has been observed.

Because they are relatively larger compared to other types of shrimp, they usually occupy elevated surfaces. It makes them ideal for algae control, especially in tanks with large stones and cobblestones.

Although they are large, they are peaceful. They do great in a community aquarium and are ideal for raising with small fish. If properly cared for, they can live for six years.

Ghost Shrimp(Paleomonetes paludosus)

If you want to add species to your tank that still consume algae, consider getting a ghost shrimp. While not as effective as Amano shrimp or cherry shrimp, their presence will certainly complement the shrimp's overall algae-eating efficiency.

They are not brightly colored. Their name is derived from their transparent shell color that looks like a ghost. You can use this trait to your advantage by making it an indicator of health problems.

Because you can see through it, you can keep an eye on whether bacteria and parasites are growing in their bodies, such as the nematodeScutariella japonica. If your ghost shrimp is infected, other shrimp may also be infected.

Vis

Who would ever think that fish are algae eaters?

While most of the world's fish population is carnivorous, some are omnivores (eating both plants and animals) and herbivores that feed exclusively on plants such as algae.

In our list of the best algae-eating fish, you'll find that the structure and position of their mouths play a vital role in their success as top-notch algae eaters.

Suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus)

Also known as the common pleco, the sucker catfish is arguably the most popular algae-eating fish. Even children know them because they cling to the tank glass and attract the attention of our children.

Along with other species of plecos, the sucker catfish has an inferior mouth. When they eat and scrape off algae, their mouth creates a suction effect. It is why they stick to glass and other surfaces.

Fun fact. Did you know that a sucker catfish can survive out of water for up to 30 hours? Along with other pleco species, they can breathe air. They rise to the surface and swallow the air when the amount of dissolved oxygen is low.

Bristlenose plecostomus (Ancistrus temminckii)

A Bristlenose Plecos grows tall (5 inches or 13 cm) and is the perfect algae-eating fish for a 25-gallon tank.

They work and look like your regular pleco. As their name suggests, the only difference is that they have bristly appendages (which look like bristles) protruding from their snouts.

Surprisingly, their hairs are not sensory and are not used in foraging. Instead, their bristles are part of their camouflage defense mechanism, as they mimic a dead plant when not moving.

Fun fact. Did you know that the bristles are only prominent on adult males? Adult females have clean faces.

Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclusspp)

With more than 22 species and an average growth of 5 cm,Otocinclus catfishare also called dwarf suckers.

Like pleco, they have an inferior mouth that creates a sucking effect when feeding. Therefore, they are attached to the glass, a live plant or any other surface. However, when they sense danger (such as the presence of a predator), they use their fast swimming skills and take cover.

Otocinclus catfish are omnivores. They prefer to eat plant material, such as soft green algae. Their small and slender body is perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, especially those flat and narrow passageways prone to diatom algae growth.

Read also: Types of aquarium catfish

Hillstream Loach with a reticulated pattern (Sewellia lineolata)

If you want an algae-eating fish that will enhance the aesthetic value of your tank, consider having a reticulated hill streamer.

Naturally born to swim against the current, this algae-eating fish prefers to clean areas near filters, air stones, and other types of filtration and aeration systems. When they feed along running water, they spread their fin like small stingrays.

The only downside to these fish is their territorial behavior, which can be defensive even to their peers. With this in mind, you should limit their quantity, preferably three loaches for a 25 gallon aquarium.

Fun fact:Although it looks like plecos, a reticulated hillcreeper is more closely related to a carp than to a catfish.

Siamese Algaenets (Crossocheilus oblongus)

The Siamese Algae Eater belongs to the omnivorous carp family and is one of the most effective algae eating species. This effectiveness has something to do with their mouth.

Siamese algae eater has a mouth that is inferior and funnel-shaped. When feeding, their funnel-shaped mouth will protrude profusely. This allows food to be sucked in.

In addition, their mouths have rostral barbs. They act as taste receptors and help them target certain foods. That is why they prefer to eat hair algae and black beard algae.

The only downside to these algae-eating fish is that they also like to eat live plants.

Fun fact. Siamese algae eaters are different from Chinese algae eaters. Aside from growing up to 10 inches (25 cm), Chinese algae eaters are not effective at controlling algae growth, as they tend to get lazy once they are large and mature. It is the reason why we do not include them in our list.

molly vis(Poecilia sphenops)

Mollies are one of the most popular aquarium fish traded worldwide. Although they are selectively bred in different body colors, they still retain their flat mouths. It is their main asset when consuming algae.

Mollies are omnivores and not picky eaters. When algae starts growing on a surface, they eat it by eating small bites. A single molly can effectively control unwanted algae growth in a 20-gallon tank.

While algae isn't mollies' only food preference, there is a trick for them to be effective algae eaters. Do not provide commercial feeds. Once they go hungry, you can watch their algae-eating prowess put to work.

Related: How long do mollies live?

pink barb(Pethia conchonius)

In addition to being aggressive, Rosy barbs are known for their ease of care. But do you also know that they eat algae?

Rosy barbs are omnivores. They can chew on worms and insects and graze on algae. They like to consume hair algae and thread algae.

Although aggression is associated with this species, you can still keep them in the aquarium as an algae-eating fish. The trick is to keep them in schools of 10 fish per 20 gallon aquarium.

Fun fact. Did you know that the color of pink barbs brightens during mating?

Florida vlagvis(Jordanellafloridae)

This fish is known for two things. First, they are known for their unique body color. The red stripes resemble an American flag. Second, they are known for their ability to eat algae. And not just any fish, but a voracious consumer of algae.

The Florida flagfish consume almost all types of algae, such as brown algae, hair algae, filamentous algae, and black beard algae.

Fun fact. Did you know that of all the algae eaters on our list, only the Florida flagfish holds a Guinness World Record? They hold the world record for having the fewest egg. Only 20 eggs are released each breeding cycle.

Read more:

• Brown hair algae: how to fight them?
• How to get rid of algae in the aquarium?
• How to treat white algae in your aquarium?
• Aquarium fish eating poop
• Best fish cleaning tanks

Conclusion

Our list of the best algae eaters is long and quite overwhelming. But that does not mean that you put all the species mentioned here in one aquarium. The key to an effective control mechanism is selecting the right algae eater for your aquarium.

Don't use the wrong type of algae eater. Otherwise, if you do, expect algae to continue to grow and thrive.

You also remember that these algae eaters are living organisms. They need certain conditions to survive.

Finally, the unwanted growth of algae does not depend on the effectiveness of the algae eaters. Certain conditions cause abundant algae growth, such as poor water quality,excessive lighting, and stagnant water.

When you address these factors, plus the addition of algae eaters, expect a clean and healthy tank, which is the true meaning of tank aesthetics.