what do you call the freshwater aquarium fish that eats algae?

i am looking for a fish that eats algae which is also compatible with guppies in my fresh water aquarium.

Check your tank size first.

Common Plecostomus species that get sold as 'algae eaters' all grow to a foot long (or more). They do eat some algae when they are small, but as they get bigger they turn into fat, lazy, eating / pooping machines.

There are several species that dont get as big, and are better algae eaters. Bristlenose Plecos and Oto catfish are good choices as long as you have 20+gal tank.

Other options are Siamese Algae eaters and Hillstream loaches. But the Hillstreams prefer cooler water and higher currents than guppies.

Avoid Chinese algae eaters, they grow big and give up on the algae eating thing, prefering to move on to guppies as their staple diet.

But I highly recommend a Bristlenose pleco, even if you dont have an algae problem they are cool fish.

Ian

What are only 'two' of your favorite type of freshwater aquarium fish?


12 Responses to “what do you call the freshwater aquarium fish that eats algae?”

  1. King of Hubris says:

    An algae eater (actual name)
    or
    Plecostomus
    References :
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plecostomus

  2. Shorty says:

    i call them sucker fishes :)
    References :

  3. SuzyQ says:

    algae eaters……..for real
    References :

  4. Autumn L says:

    An algae eater
    References :
    My friend has one

  5. Jeff J says:

    algae eater
    References :

  6. bluemaster555 says:

    algae eater,plecostomus,otocinclus.
    References :

  7. Dj V says:

    Plecostomus
    {Pleco)
    They are nocturnal.
    References :

  8. jerry b says:

    There is no fish that is really good at eating algae, and generally will contribute to more algae, since algae grows because of waste produced by fish.
    References :
    http://www.fishforu.ms/freshwater-discussions/algae-eater/

  9. Dr@zak says:

    Thats easy catfish,placotumus and the little chines algae eater.
    References :

  10. Ianab says:

    Check your tank size first.

    Common Plecostomus species that get sold as 'algae eaters' all grow to a foot long (or more). They do eat some algae when they are small, but as they get bigger they turn into fat, lazy, eating / pooping machines.

    There are several species that dont get as big, and are better algae eaters. Bristlenose Plecos and Oto catfish are good choices as long as you have 20+gal tank.

    Other options are Siamese Algae eaters and Hillstream loaches. But the Hillstreams prefer cooler water and higher currents than guppies.

    Avoid Chinese algae eaters, they grow big and give up on the algae eating thing, prefering to move on to guppies as their staple diet.

    But I highly recommend a Bristlenose pleco, even if you dont have an algae problem they are cool fish.

    Ian
    References :
    Bristlenose.
    http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=49

    Oto
    http://www.loaches.com/articles/hillstream-loaches-the-specialists-at-life-in-the-fast-lane

  11. Brian says:

    Algae Eater….they don't have any other type of name…is just call Algae Eater.
    References :

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