Algae Eaters

Algae in any kind of stored water with carbon dioxide content is a very common sight. Aquariums and fish tanks generally have exactly this kind of survival environment and thus, there are algae growths in fish tanks very often. When you have such an ecosystem in the aquarium itself, you will need something to stop this unwanted growth of algae and this is where you can have algae eaters in the aquarium along with the other fish. These are nothing but some particular species of fish and snails, which thrive on these algae for their food. These fish also look very presentable, thus, they can be kept as aquarium fish in your home. These fish are often freshwater fish that survive on unwanted algae in the oceans, but there are many saltwater fish that also have this property. Hence, take a look at the following list which you can use for your aquariums if you are suffering from algae issues.

Great Additions to Your Aquariums

Most are used in freshwater aquariums, but there are many saltwater fish too that are used in aquariums for the same reason. Some of these are small thus, they are not even noticeable and some are fairly visible but they too are very presentable and colored to be displayed. These fish do not need to be fed the food that the other fish eat and even if they eat it, they will still make sure, your aquarium is algae free. Mentioned below are a few names of freshwater and saltwater fish used in tanks, so take your pick!

Freshwater Algae Eaters
The following fish are found in freshwater and can keep your tank clean by consuming the various types of algae found in it.

• Chinese Algae Eaters: fish of the Gyrinocheilus genus are very commonly used algae eating fish used in aquariums. The Chinese algae eater, Gyrinocheilus aymonieri, is the most preferred one.
• Siamese Algae Eaters: They are the Crossocheilus siamensis, and are a more gregarious and tolerant cyprinid which are almost 15 cm in length. The Siamese algae eaters are the only fish which graze on the "black brush algae" (freshwater Rhodophyta, or red algae), but can also eat anything else in preference.
• The American-flag fish as well as many loricariid or catfish such as genera Ancistrus, Otocinclus and Plecostomus, often eat many varieties of algae.
• Many shrimp found in freshwater like the Amano Shrimp are very well-known for their ability to clean an aquarium.
• Some species of freshwater snails often belonging to the family Ampullariidae are also excellent.

Saltwater Algae Eaters
There are many saltwater creatures which are also very good. But they survive only on sea algae like red slime and others. Some of the water animals mentioned below are red slime algae eaters as well, so take a look.

• The most common are the Rabbit fish which eats most algae, like cyanobacteria, diatoms, and hair algae. These algae are not very often found in aquariums but can be observed occasionally in a few.
• Sea urchins are also one of the best found in the ocean. As they strictly feed only on algae, major aquariums which are life sized and have many exotic sea fish.
• A few snail species such as the Astraea, Turbo, Nerite and Turban, do a great job in cleaning the tanks as well, but they reproduce very fast and sometimes can graze on your plants too.
• Surgeon fish or tangs are possibly known for their appetite for algae. They too are voracious feeders and can do an excellent cleaning job for you.

With such a variety, you can choose any of them, depending on the sizes and content of your aquarium. But make sure, you take care of them too, as a little maintenance is always required.