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Algae Eaters For Freshwater Aquariums

Algae Eaters For Freshwater Aquariums

Posted by Pet Zone SD on on 4th Aug 2021

Got stubborn algae? Tired of scrubbing?

Luckily for you we have tons of algae eaters that can help ease the burden of cleaning the algae from your tank! From soft films to stringy green and even the the dreaded blackbeard or staghorn varieties, we've got some recommendations that'll make your life easier! Doesn't hurt that they're some good looking fish too!
Otocinclus Catfish AKA "OtoCat"

An absolute must-have for any planted aquarium. These workhorses clock in at an average size of 1-1.5" and can grow to a maximum of 2". OtoCats are an incredibly versatile cleaner that specializes in soft film-like algae such as the common soft brown algae that grows on most surfaces. Their flexible mouths and suckers make it so that they can clean even the thinnest of needle-like leaves as well as the sides of your tank!

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Crossocheilus siamensis - Siamese Algae Eater AKA "SAE"

Siamaese Algae Eaters, otherwise known to hobbyists as SAEs, are some of the most popular algae eaters around!

These cleaners average around 1.5" in the store but can grow to a decent size of over 4", and when they get that big you can expect them to be hungry. Crossocheilus are a popular genus of fish that have the common name of algae eaters and can help you take care of particularly stubborn algae such as blackbeard. Toss them in and watch them munch away on those fuzzy eyesores in no time.

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Crossocheilus reticulatus - Silver Flying Fox

Silver Flying Foxes are closely related to SAEs and, as such, clean up BBA (black beard algae) very well.

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American Flagfish

This is one of the hardiest fish you can find in the hobby and does well in a variety of setting ranging from a community aquarium to outdoor ponds.

They are known for their great algae controlling abilities! This New World Killifish has colorations that resemble the US flag, hence the name American Flag Fish (some call it the Florida Flag Fish).

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Panda Garra - Garra flavatra

One of the most gorgeous species within the Garra family group. They are relatively friendly. Though the graze all around the aquarium, they are not completely a herbivore and will also feed on bloodworms and other sinking foods.

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Amano Shrimp

This shrimp is popular among many aquatic plant hobbyists as they are known for their amazing cleaning abilities. Also known as the "Japanese Algae Eater," the Amano Shrimp was named after Takashi Amano after he introduced this amazing invert to the aquaria hobby!

This beautiful shrimp does a great job feeding off the surfaces of the tank and eating matter off plants. They particularly love hanging around the foam cover of the filters, catching and eating the debris that gets caught around that area.

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Bristle-Nose "Bushy-Nose" Pleco

The Bristlenose Pleco is one very ferocious algae eater and cleans surfaces very well!

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Nerite Snails - Assorted Species

Nerites come in all different shapes and forms. These are some of the best algae eaters one can have in their fish tank. Not only do they do an amazing job grazing algae and decaying plant matter but they add an element of movement and aesthetics to your tank!

UFO Loach

One of the most oddball looking loaches in the hobby! Not only do they have suckermouths as they come from fast current waters but they graze algae very well!
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