Top 5 Most Helpful Freshwater Algae Eaters

It is an inevitability at some point in your hobbyist journey that your aquarium will be covered with unattractive green algae (unless you are extremely lucky).

Usually, if you notice more algae than usual appearing in your tank you probably have an outbreak.

There are several options to consider when trying to prevent an outbreak, but in this guide, we are only discussing the natural ones - algae-eating fish and other animals!

Fortunately, in our curated list of algae eaters, we only showcase freshwater marine animals that are safe for aquatic plants and that get along with each other and work together effectively.

Algae will make your tank a dirty environment for fish (and others) to live in, and also unsafe for its inhabitants due to bacterial diseases coming from algae and generally unclean tanks.

Additionally, algae do not only reside on the glass in your tank, they attach onto live plants, starving them of nutrients, and eventually killing them.

The animals that feature on our list are not fussy, and will happily eat algae off live plants without damaging them either.

Sure, there are many fish and invertebrates that feed off algae, such as freshwater pufferfish, however, the ones that feature on our list consider algae as their main diet, and will constantly be feeding on alga no matter what.

Top 5 Freshwater Aquarium Algae Eaters

Let's get right to it and dive in to our list of the 5 best freshwater algae eaters!

1. Reticulated Hillstream Loach (Sewellia lineolata)

As far as looks go, this is probably one of the most awesome freshwater fish algae eaters to enter our list. They will grow to 3 inches (7.6cm) in length, and they look like a small stingray littered with golden-brown dots and detailed jet-black stripes.

This Loach has a very strong grip, which they use to clean large, flat surfaces, like aquarium walls, live rock, and tall live plants. You will more than likely see them stuck onto your tank's walls enjoying some hard-earned food!

Reticulated Hillstream Loach Requirements:

• Temp: 64 - 76°F (17.7 - 24.4°C)
• pH level: 6.5 - 7.5
• Maximum size: 3 inches (7.6 cm)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful (not with their own)

They have gathered somewhat of an unfortunate reputation for being territorial to their own kind, which is all too common. Your best bet is to go with a singular Loach or perhaps a group of 3, no more or less, as this will balance out the aggressiveness. These Loaches must be kept in cold water with a stable pH level. You should feed them in addition to their algae diet, and high-quality sinking foods are recommended.

2. Chinese Golden Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri)

The Chinese Golden Algae Eater is probably the most popular freshwater aquarium algae eaters to feature on our list, and for good reason. This suckermouth catfish is a part of the Chinese Algae Eater family (Gyrinocheilos aymonieri), originating from Northern India and now commonly farm-raised in Thailand.

Chinese Golden Algae Eater Requirements:

• Temp: 70 - 79°F (21 - 26°C)
• pH level: 6.8 - 7.4
• Maximum size: 12 inches (30 cm)
• Diet: Herbivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

These freshwater catfish are incredibly useful, feeding off algae from all sorts of places within your aquarium, they are also kind to plants too when feeding off them! They will feed off your aquarium's algae as well as algae wafers that you should feed them, ensuring a balanced and healthy diet.

Something that is often ignored or perhaps looked over when it comes to these fish is that they can grow to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, which is pretty big! You must ensure that your aquarium is a suitable size for these fish, otherwise you will encounter some problems.

3. Nerite Snails (Nerita)

Originating from the Nertidae family, the Nerite Snails are the first non-fish to enter the list! They are brilliant additions to any freshwater aquarium as they eat and scavenge algae all day long. What makes them even better is that they can remove the really hard to scrape off algae (green spot algae) from surfaces such as your tank walls, live plants, and even driftwood.

Nerite Snail Requirements:

• Temp: 72 - 78°F (22.2 - 25.5°C)
• pH level: 6.5 - 8.0
• Maximum size: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
• Diet: Herbivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

After owning these snails for a while, you may discover a lot of white, almost seed-looking eggs - if you see these, do not panic! Fortunately, and unlike most aquarium snails, these guys' eggs will not hatch in freshwater, meaning that you will not have to worry about another outbreak, this time with snails!

These snails come in an abundance of awesome patterns and coloration too, such as tiger, zebra, and red racer. Their only real requirement from a water and feeding perspective is that you make sure there is extra calcium in the water, and in their diet too, this supports healthy shell development.

4. Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Sticking with the non-fish options we have Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) as one of our freshwater algae eaters. Now, these shrimp specifically do not do an amazing job at removing the algae from your tank when they are alone, which is why it is good to introduce several to your tank, whilst also keeping in mind that they breed at a rapid rate. Once they have bred enough and established a small colony they will start to go to work, and you will notice significant changes in your tank's cleanliness when it comes to algae.

Cherry Shrimp Requirements:

• Temp: 57 - 86°F (14 - 30°C)
• pH level: 6.5 - 8.0
• Maximum size: 1 inches (2.5 cm)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

Cherry shrimp are also great for eating excess food from when you have been feeding your fish, which is wonderful as it lessens the risk of your tank becoming dirty and your fish becoming diseased. Having such small limbs works in their (and your) favor as they can pick through the substrate, plant roots, and small crevices, they will also eat just about anything they can digest, which is great too!

The Cherry shrimp will grow to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length, and they come in pretty much every color you could think of. Additionally, if you do not wish to keep them anymore for whatever reason you can sell them off for a nice profit either to other hobbyists or in your local fish keeping store.

5. Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus)

The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) grows to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and is typically used in large aquariums. Hair algae, black beard algae, and leftover foods are certainly their favorite foods to consume, which is probably because of their downturned mouths.

Strangely enough, the Siamese algae eaters tend to eat more algae when they are younger, but this is because they grow to a decent length when adults and can certainly hold their own during feeding time.

Siamese Algae Eater Requirements:

• Temp: 75 - 79°F (24 - 26°C)
• pH level: 6.5 - 8.0
• Maximum size: 6 inches (15.2 cm)
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

Similar to the hillstream loaches, the Siamese algae eater can get somewhat territorial with their own kind and also similar-looking fish species, which is why you should choose to get either one or three of these algae eaters.

Although similar, they are not the same as Chinese algae eaters, and there are a few species of Chinese algae eaters that do not play with others and are certainly best avoided.

Best Freshwater Algae Eaters Requirements Table

Below is a table consisting of all the fish that appear on this list, with their classic tank requirements, care level, and temperaments for you to use as a resource.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different algae-eating fish and invertabrates that will suit your freshwater aquarium perfectly and do a brilliant job at relieving a potential algae infestation! However, it is totally your decision which one to go for from our list, this is because everybody's aquariums are totally different, from size to habitat and more importantly the existing inhabitants. For example, goldfish are algae eaters too, despite it not being the main staple in their diet.