Keeping algae under control in your freshwater aquarium can be challenging, but the right algae eater can make all the difference.
I recommend choosing algae eaters that are effective yet peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for.
Here are my top picks for the best algae-eating creatures to add to your freshwater aquarium.
Bristlenose Plecos

My personal favorite algae eater is the bristlenose pleco. These docile fish spend most of their time attached to surfaces, munching on various types of aquarium algae.
Their whisker-like mouth parts give them their name. Bristlenose plecos are hardy fish that adapt well to various water conditions.
They stay small, maxing out around 5 inches, so they don’t need a massive tank.
I recommend at least a 25-gallon tank for a bristlenose pleco to give them adequate room to explore.
They tolerate temperatures from 60°F to 80°F and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Offer them spirulina wafers, sinking pellets, and occasional treats of bloodworms in addition to the algae they graze on naturally.
Cherry Shrimp

Cherry shrimp fit the bill if you’re looking for a tiny but mighty algae eater.
These crimson-colored dwarf shrimp form active cleanup crews that feast on all kinds of algae, especially hair and green spot algae.
Cherry shrimp’s small size makes them vulnerable to predator fish, so they house them with other peaceful community fish.
They adapt readily to a wide range of water parameters, including temperatures from 60°F up to 85°F and a pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
A group of 2-4 cherry shrimp will thrive in a 10-gallon planted aquarium. The more plants and surfaces for them to climb on, the better!
Trumpet Snails

Don’t overlook trumpet snails as an excellent algae-eating addition.
As they cruise tank surfaces, trumpet snails use their small rasping mouth parts to consume various types of soft green algae.
A bonus is their ability to burrow through the substrate, which aerates the gravel.
Trumpet snails tolerate a broad temperature range from 65°F to 85°F and various water chemistries, making them a hardy choice.
They reproduce prolifically, so you’ll soon have a large cleanup crew on your hands!
Otocinclus Catfish

For the dedicated aquarist, otocinclus catfish are an excellent algae-eating species.
These tiny South American catfish only grow to 2 inches long but pack a big appetite for diatoms and soft green algae.
Their calm temperament allows them to coexist with most community fish.
I recommend keeping otocinclus catfish in groups of 3 or more.
Make sure to offer them supplemental foods like spirulina and algae wafers since they have high metabolisms.
They thrive in established tanks with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F. A 10-gallon tank or larger suits them well.
Amano Shrimp

Amano shrimp are another excellent algae-eating choice.
Native to Japan and Taiwan, these translucent shrimp thrive in planted aquariums with ample algae growth.
They will voraciously devour many types of soft green algae.
Amano shrimp adapt well to a variety of water conditions, including temperatures from 65°F to 85°F.
Keep them in groups of 3 or more, providing them a 10-gallon or larger tank.
Make sure they have plenty of hiding spaces amongst plants and decorations.
Siamese Algae Eater

The Siamese algae eater is a fish prized for its algae grazing abilities.
It eagerly consumes soft green algae, hair algae, and black beard algae that pops up in tanks. These fish grow to around 6 inches when mature.
Siamese algae eaters prefer to live in schools, so plan for a group of 3 or more.
They require at least a 20-gallon aquarium with dense vegetation and driftwood to dart around.
Siamese algae eaters are adaptable to various water conditions, tolerating temperatures between 72°F and 79°F.
Nerite Snails

Lastly, nerite snails are an often overlooked algae eater that prowls aquarium surfaces, consuming soft green algae and diatoms.
Their durable shells feature zebra-like markings in black, brown, and olive green shades.
Nerite snails thrive in established, mature aquariums with stable water parameters.
Provide them with algae to graze on and supplemental vegetables and algae wafers.
These snails tolerate water temperatures ranging from 65°F up to 85°F.
A group of 3 or more nerites will help keep your tank sparkling clean, needing only a 5-gallon tank minimum.
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