What are my options for algae eating fish?

[ThePBM]

Aside from plecos and the many algae-eaters (golden, chinese, thailand fox, etc mostly the same), what kind of freshwater fish are algae eaters? i'm also open to non-fish as well (freshwater shrimp, if there is such a thing, and if they eat algae). It would be most ideal if they ate fish poop, but whatever.
Size should be at a max of 4". TIA.

 

[WyldFya]

There are many options, but many algae eaters are specific to certain types of algae. If you are just looking for something to clean up basic green or brown alga, you will be best off with otos, SAE, and/or snails. Bristlenose plecos are very good for this type of algae as well. For filamentous alga, Amano shrimp will be your best bet. Flagtails are good for tanks with monsters.

 

[ThePBM]

is there a common name that i might see in a pet shop for the otos? they are still catfish, correct?

 

[amehel0]

theyre called Otocinclus cocama. just specify the scientific name and they will show you some if they have any

 

[ThePBM]

nm, think i got it.

 

[WyldFya]

Oto is the common name. Many stores carry them. But the question still stands... What kind of algae do you have?

 

[ThePBM]

Sorry, um, I don't have any visible algae, actually. I'd just like to keep it that way. I have sinking algae wafers along with a cucumber slice anywho, so my current 3" golden algae eater won't starve.

 

[tRiP]

only fish I've had that eats algae is the farlowella catfish. But it gets longer than your 4" limit...

 

[vexter]

I have dwarf rubber lipped plecos and man i get green and brown algae and they go to town on it. My tank used to have flower pots and in a single night one of them guys cleaned of an entire pot better then my dishwasher could have. Supposedly they get a max of 5" so yeah - awesome guys.

 

[ThePBM]

have plecos ever been known to try attaching themselves to tankmates?