The 6 Best Pond Algae Eaters

There’s an easy way to control the algae growth in your pond. Since there are several types of algae-hungry aquatic creatures that can live in your pond, carefully selecting what fish you put in there will help you deal with the algae and pond maintenance.

Why does the Algae grow in your pond?

The first thing you must remember is that algae growing is normal for any aquatic ecosystem. Of course, there are types of algae that do indicate that there is something wrong with your fish or water. For this reason, you should always consult with your local pond maintenance specialist first.

Algae feeds on the same thing as your fish and aquatic plants. However, if your pond is exposed to prolonged hours of sunlight, it will speed the growth of algae. Overfeeding your fish also plays a role, therefore you must restrain yourself from doing so.

Another thing that will affect the fast spreading of algae is a badly maintained water filtration system. Cleaning fallen leaves and debris, and stuff that can decay is very important. It will not only aid the fast growth of algae but ruin the chemical balance of your ecosystem and endanger the health of your pond fish.

Having these under control and up to par will help you fight the algae and keep your pond’s water crystal clear. Adopting some of the algae-hungry pond fish will also have a great impact.

Algae-Eating Pond Fish & Snails

Japanese Trap Door Pond Snails

The pond snail can be an interesting and beautiful little helper. Their high tolerance for harsh weather conditions and their huge appetite for algae will keep your pond’s algae issues under control. Japanese trapdoor snails are considered the best algae eating snails to have in a koi pond. They’re easy to control and eat a lot of the decaying vegetation and brown algae. The Japanese trapdoor snails also will not lay eggs in your pond, since they are livebearers. Instead of laying eggs, they give birth to a small snail ready to work tirelessly (or eat, to be more accurate).

Siamese Algae-Eater

The Siamese algae eater is a beautiful fish of a medium size that will work day and night to consume all the algae it can find. However, these algae hungry fish are not for every pond. Although they do well with other fish, they’re not always the best choice. They also do not tolerate cold water and need much warmer temperatures to survive. Before you proceed on adopting some for your pond, consult with your local pond specialist.

Chinese Algae Eater

The Chinese algae eater does well in a community of fish, both in ponds and aquariums. They are herbivores by nature and live along with both koi and goldfish in ponds. The Chinese algae eater is not a territorial fish. They only care to munch on some of the tasty algae you have in your pond. Chinese algae eaters enjoy green algae, brown algae, and even sometimes black algae, which makes it among the ideal algae hungry pond fish. They’re easy to take care of and prefer warmer water.

Flying Fox

The flying fox is often confused with the Chinese algae-eater, for their many similarities, yet the flying fox fish originates from the waters of Southeast Asia. It’s a beautifully colored fish with a huge appetite for green algae. This bottom dweller is also a community-type fish that likes warmer waters. They can live in a pond or aquarium.

Common Plecostomus

The common plecostomus is a rather large fish, and not the most common choice for this exact reason. However, it does well in a fish community. They are also known as common algae sucker/eaters or janitor fish since they will feed on the algae in your pond and aquariums. Their diet also includes crustaceans, so it’s not the best idea to put those two together. They’re very beautiful bottom feeders, native to  South America, and can survive lower temperatures, at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gold Nugget Pleco

The cold nugget pleco is endemic to the region of Brazil. It’s another beautiful plecostomus that will swim around your pond, eating all the algae and leftovers it can find. A shy omnivore that has no problems living in a community, most owners of this algae eating fish testify that it does not bother the other fish, koi including, and cannot coexist well with aggressive species. It’s usually territorial only with other bottom dwellers, and they can live both in freshwater aquariums and warmer ponds.

These algae eating pond and aquarium fish are among the most common and preferred helpers. They’re your pond maintenance specialists that will deal with the algae and control it. The best bonus? They’re also a joy to look at.