Algae eater
As algae eaters a number of is freshwater fish from the order of Cyprinids and catfish-like called, mainly from algae feed. They are often used by aquarists to curb the growth of algae in aquariums (especially on the panes).
More than 820 described species of armor catfish are known that feed mainly on algae and periphyton. Armor catfish are one of the most species-rich fish families there is. Of these, over 60 species of aerial armor catfish are often advertised as window cleaners, although their motivation to eat algae decreases the more ready-made food is offered. Not all fish that are commercially available under the name of algae eaters are equally well suited for this task. Adult loaches and fine-fin algae eaters hardly ever eat algae. On the other hand, there are numerous experience reports about species of the Garra genus, which suggest that they are actually good algae eaters. However, some algae-like organisms such as blue-green algae (bacteria department) are generally not eaten by fish.
The following fish species are sometimes referred to as algae eaters:
- Armored catfish (Loricariidae)
- Antennae armor catfish ( Ancistrus , Syn: Xenocara)
- Ear lattice catfish such as the longitudinal stripe ear lattice catfish ( Otocinclus vittatus )
- Species from the family of sucking loaches (Gyrinocheilidae)
- Siamese algae barbel ( Crossocheilus oblongus ), often traded as Siamese algae eater
- Tail spot algae eater or reticulated brush algae eater ( Crossocheilus reticulatus ), popular aquarium fish for eating brush algae
- Mica labeo ( Crossocheilus latius ), also known as the Indian algae eater
- Beautiful -fin algae eater ( Epalzeorhynchus kalopterus ), also known as the beautiful-fin algae eater
- Sri Lanka algae eater ( Garra ceylonensis )
- Indian algae eater ( Garra mullya )
- Thai algae eater ( Garra cambodgiensis )
- Pracht algae eaters ( Garra flavatra )