🐠 Algae Eaters in the Aquarium: The Species You Need to Know

Algae are inevitable in any aquarium, but fortunately, there are many natural cleaners that keep these green invaders under control. We often think of the well-known Ancistrus slithering across the glass, but there's a wide variety of algae-eating creatures—from fish to shrimp and even snails—each playing its own role in your aquarium's ecosystem.

In this blog we discuss the most popular and effective types of algae eaters, suitable for both small nano aquariums and large biotopes.

🦐 Algae-eating shrimp

Shrimp are excellent algae eaters, especially in smaller aquariums or aquascapes. They're not only efficient but also add a lot of life to your tank.

A mano shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

• Color: Gray/transparent with subtle dots

• Size: 4 – 6 cm

• Diet: Algae, food remains, dead plant parts

• Details: Very active and effective, but only reproduce in brackish water

Amano shrimp are true workhorses. They eat almost constantly and are particularly well-suited for controlling filamentous algae and biofilm.

Fire Shrimp (Red Cherry, Neocaridina davidi)

• Color: Bright red (bred for color)

• Size: 2 – 3 cm

• Food: Algae, detritus, biofilm, food residues

• Special features: Reproduction in freshwater possible

Fire shrimp are smaller and less active than Amano shrimp, but they make a beautiful, colorful addition to community tanks and planters. They are easy to keep and breed quickly under the right conditions.

🐟 Algae-eating fish

For medium to large aquariums, algae-eating fish are often the best choice. They are effective against various types of algae and add character to your aquarium.

Popular varieties:

• Otocinclus affinis – Very small, schooling fish, gentle temperament, good for small tanks

• Ancistrus (Bristlenose pleco) – Smaller catfish species, also suitable for smaller tanks (min. 80L)

• Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) – Very effective against beard algae, likes space

• Farlowella – Slender “twig-shaped” catfish, calmer character, more sensitive

• Beautifulfin Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri) – Beware: Becomes more aggressive with age

• Plecostomus (Hypostomus plecostomus) – Grows large (>30 cm), not suitable for small tanks

Loricariidae family (L-numbers)

This group includes dozens of species of armored catfish, each with unique colors and characteristics. They eat algae, food scraps, and sometimes plant material. Examples:

• L046 (Zebra pleco) – Beautiful black and white lines, rare

• L144 (Yellow Ancistrus) – Popular because of its striking colour

• L018 (Gold nugget pleco) – Gold-yellow speckled, decorative

📌 Note: Not all L-type fish are good algae eaters. Some eat very little algae and require other food, such as vegetables or special catfish food.

🐌 Algae-eating snails

Snails are ideal for clearing algae from areas that are difficult for fish or shrimp to reach. They are particularly useful in nano aquariums or in heavily planted tanks.

Neritina snails (Nerite snails)

• Size: 2 – 3 cm

• Color: Variations such as tiger pattern, black with yellow stripes

• Food: Algae on windows, wood, stones

• Reproduction: They lay eggs, but breed only in brackish water.

Highly effective against brown algae and green spot algae. They don't harm plants and can't overpopulate.

Clithon corona (Antler Snail / Spine Snail)

• Size: ~3 cm

• Color: Black and yellow with small horns on the shell

• Diet: Same as Neritina

• Reproduction: Not easy to grow

A unique snail with a decorative appearance and excellent algae-eating properties.

✅ Which Algae Eater Is Right For Your Aquarium?

The choice depends on the size of your tank, the type of algae problem and your personal preference: