Algae in your tank… it's like fast food: quick, easy, everywhere – and you secretly want as little of it as possible. Many "algae eaters," however, are more talented at sleeping in than cleaning. And some plecos? Frankly, they produce more poop than they clean (like the common pleco 😉). So the trick isn't "one magic cleaner fish," but choosing the right species for the right algae, while also keeping your aquarium balanced.
Hillstream loaches eat brown algae, Amano shrimp hair and beard algae, Neritina snail point algae, dwarf shrimp biofilm, Otocinclus soft algae and Siamese algae eaters persistent filamentous algae.
Which fish eat which algae?
| Kind | Eat especially | Aquarium size | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillstream loach ( Sewellia lineolata ) | Brown diatoms, green deposits | ≥ 80 L, high flow | Mini ray look, likes cool running water. |
| Amano shrimp ( Caridina multidentata ) | Hair & beard algae, leftovers | ± 10L per piece (in group) | Works best in groups of 6+, real beard algae killers. |
| Nerite snail ( Neritina natalensis ) | Green dot algae, brown algae | 2 per ± 40 L | Lays eggs, but does not breed in fresh water; needs calcium. |
| Dwarf shrimp ( Neocaridina sp. ) | Biofilm, soft algae | ± 20 L per group | Small but fast breeding – a real team player. |
| Otocinclus ( Otocinclus affinis ) | Soft green/brown algae | ± 60 L in schools | Social fish, but not suitable for bare starter tanks. |
| Siamese algae eater (SAE) ( Crossocheilus siamensis ) | Beard and thread algae | ≥ 100 L | Can grow up to 15 cm; note confusion with Flying Fox ( Epalzeorhynchos kalopterus ). |
Not sure which type is right for you? Feel free to send us a message 📲 – we're happy to help.
How do you choose the right fish for the right algae?
The key to success is knowing which algae you're dealing with. Do you see a brown layer on glass or rocks (diatoms)? Then Hillstream loaches or Otocinclus are the best choice – they'll scrape that off with ease. If it's hair or beard algae, choose Amano shrimp or Siamese algae eaters , which can really tackle those tough threads. Green dot algae? You can confidently leave that to the Neritina snail , a small powerhouse with a powerful cleaning ability.
But be careful: a good algae eater only works if your aquarium is well-balanced . Sufficient flow, CO₂, light, and nutrients ensure that algae don't get the upper hand. Algae eaters are helpers, not miracle workers. Want to know if your tank is well-balanced? Then read our blog about green algae .
Keep your snails healthy by ensuring there's enough calcium in the water. Nerite snails, in particular, need this to keep their shells strong and smooth – a simple calcium block works wonders.
Want to be really smart? Combine species! A Nerite for the hard algae and a group of Amano shrimp for the softer forms of algae will together create a diverse and effective cleaning team. 🌿🐠
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Relying solely on algae eaters – fix: adjust light, nutrients, and CO₂. Also see our 10 smart tips against algae .
- Nerites in too soft water – fix: add calcium for healthy shells.
- Otocinclus in new tank – fix: wait for biofilm to develop or provide supplementary food such as wafers.
Checklist
- Species of algae identified
- Algae eater selected and quantity appropriate for tank size
- Water values & nutrition in balance
- Calcium present (for snails)
- Plant algae eaters together quietly (avoid overcrowding)
Conclusion
Algae eaters are valuable helpers, but not magicians. Choose the right species for your situation, ensure your tank is balanced, and you'll soon have a beautiful, algae-free environment. Want personalized advice? Feel free to send us a message 📲 – we're happy to help.
Read more: Preventing green algae , 10 smart tips for combating algae , Why real wood and driftwood are essential .
