The Ultimate Algae Eater Library: 20+ Species to Keep Your Aquarium Clean
Algae is an unavoidable part of aquarium life, but if left unchecked, it can quickly turn a clean tank into a murky mess. Fortunately, nature has provided a solution: algae-eating animals. From hardworking fish to scavenging shrimp and industrious snails, this guide gives you the most complete library of the best algae eaters for freshwater tanks, no matter your setup.
Not all algae eaters are created equal — some prefer soft green algae, others specialize in black beard algae or diatoms. Some are peaceful community members, while others need more careful tank planning. This guide is broken down by category so you can find the best match for your tank and algae problem.
🐟 Best Algae-Eating Fish
- Siamese Algae Eater – One of the only fish that eats black beard algae (Crossocheilus oblongus)
- Otocinclus Catfish – Tiny, peaceful, and perfect for planted nano tanks (Otocinclus spp.)
- Bristlenose Pleco – Compact, hardy, and great for tank glass and driftwood (Ancistrus spp.)
- Hillstream Loach – Sucks algae off rocks and glass in high flow setups (Sewellia lineolata)
- Flying Fox – Similar to Siamese Algae Eaters but more territorial (Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus)
- Florida Flagfish – Known to destroy hair algae, but semi-aggressive (Jordanella floridae)
- Mollies – Active grazers that thrive in planted tanks with green algae
- Rosy Barbs – Colorful and useful against soft algae but may nibble plants
- Twig Catfish – Sensitive but excellent natural cleaners for mature tanks
- Chinese Algae Eater – Strong eater in youth but often becomes aggressive
🦐 Best Algae-Eating Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp – The most effective freshwater shrimp for algae removal (Caridina multidentata)
- Cherry Shrimp – Great for soft algae and detritus in community or nano tanks (Neocaridina davidi)
- Ghost Shrimp – Budget-friendly scavengers that will pick at algae and leftover food
Shrimp are best for tanks with peaceful tank mates and lots of hiding places. Amano shrimp are unmatched in algae control, while Cherry Shrimp contribute color and soft algae control. Shrimp colonies can self-sustain if conditions are right.
🐌 Best Algae-Eating Snails
- Nerite Snails – Eat most types of algae including green spot; won’t breed in freshwater
- Ramshorn Snails – Reproduce easily; eat soft algae and detritus
- Malaysian Trumpet Snails – Burrow into substrate; good at clearing algae and waste
- Mystery Snails – Larger, attractive, and helpful with diatoms and film algae
Snails are ideal passive cleaners. Nerites are the top choice for planted aquariums thanks to their algae efficiency and zero breeding risk. Trumpet and Ramshorn snails multiply quickly, which can be good or bad depending on your tank goals.
🧪 Matching the Right Algae Eater to the Right Algae
Different algae eaters target different types of algae. Here’s a breakdown of who eats what:
| Algae Type | Best Eaters |
|---|---|
| Green Spot Algae | Nerite Snails, Amano Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco |
| Black Beard Algae | Siamese Algae Eater, Florida Flagfish |
| Hair Algae | Amano Shrimp, Flying Fox, Rosy Barb |
| Diatoms (Brown Algae) | Otocinclus, Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails |
| Soft Green Algae | Mollies, Cherry Shrimp, Ramshorn Snails |
🚫 What Algae Eaters Don’t Do
It’s a myth that algae eaters will “clean your tank” completely. They’re part of a maintenance system — not a replacement for regular water changes, filter cleaning, or proper lighting control.
- They won’t remove algae instantly — it takes time
- They need supplemental feeding (algae wafers, blanched veggies)
- They need clean water just like your fish
- They may nibble on plants if underfed
🧠 How to Boost Algae Control
- Keep light hours consistent (6–8 hours per day)
- Avoid overfeeding fish — excess nutrients fuel algae
- Perform weekly water changes
- Use a timer to avoid light duration drift
- Test phosphate and nitrate levels regularly
🐠 What to Read Next
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