Anyone who has ever kept an aquarium has, at one time or another, had to deal with algae. Algae can be difficult to manage and prevent, and often leaves you wanting to pull your hair out. It’s unsightly and it can rob your plants of nutrients, absorb oxygen from the water, and create an all-around unpleasant environment in your aquarium. Some algae treatments can be dangerous if not used correctly, while others just aren’t effective.
One of the most underrated ways to control algae in your tank is by adding algae eating animals. Oftentimes, when people think of “algae eaters”, they imagine a pleco or snails. Then they run to the store, buy one, and toss it in the tank, only to find it won’t eat very much algae at all, or, even worse, it really isn’t compatible in a home with goldfish. Here are reviews of the top algae eating animals you can add to your aquarium to help control the algae without risking the balance of your tank.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Worldwide Tropicals Life Freshwater Nerite Snails
Best algae eating snails
Can live up to 2 years
Max size is 1 inch
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Best Value
One Stop Aquatics Malaysian Trumpet Snails
Great for keeping substrate turned
Self-limit their populations
Can live up to 2 years with excellent care
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Premium Choice
Odyssea Aquarium Panda Corydoras
Reproduce readily
Lots of varieties
Best algae eating fish
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Kazen Aquatic Mix Color Ramshorn Snails
Readily reproduce
Eat algae and detritus
Lots of colors available
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Finchville Aquatics Otocinclus Hoppei
Efficient algae eaters
Reach up to 2 inches in length
Eat algae almost exclusively
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The 10 Best Algae Eaters for Goldfish Tanks – Reviews & Top Picks 2023
- Worldwide Tropicals Life Freshwater Nerite Snails – Best Overall
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Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 72-78˚F
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Reproduces in freshwater: No
The best overall algae eaters for goldfish tanks are easily Nerite snails. These snails are voracious algae eaters that usually will not eat live plants. They help clean up detritus from the floor of the tank and will eat dead and dying plants. These snails can live up to 2 years of age with proper care and stay smaller than some other popular varieties of snails, topping out at approximately 1 inch.
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Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 72-78˚F
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Reproduces in freshwater: No
Nerite snails come in a variety of colors and patterns, from racing stripes to zebra stripes, and some even have spiked shells. They are usually too large to be eaten by goldfish, making them great additions to goldfish tanks. They are moderately active snails, so you may see them scooting around the tank as they go about their day. Be aware, though, that Nerite snails are mostly nocturnal, so it’s not unusual to see them being inactive during daytime hours.
These snails prefer water temperatures in the low end of tropical ranges, so you will need to closely monitor water temperatures to ensure they stay at a level that is comfortable for goldfish and Nerites. Nerite snails cannot reproduce in freshwater, but they will lay eggs everywhere. These eggs won’t hatch and will need to be cleaned up by hand if their appearance bothers you.
Pros
Eat algae, detritus, and dead and dying plants
Best algae eating snails
Can live up to 2 years
Max size is 1 inch
Lots of colors and patterns
Usually too large to be eaten by goldfish
Cons
Prefer low end tropical water temperatures
Lay non-viable eggs on surfaces in the tank
- One Stop Aquatics Malaysian Trumpet Snails – Best Value
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Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 64-86˚F
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
The best algae eaters for goldfish tanks for the money is Malaysian Trumpet snails. These cute snails are shaped like spiral unicorn horns and max out at around 1 inch in length. They usually live for around 1 year, although many people have reported lifespans of 2 years or more with excellent care. These algae eating snails love to burrow, making them great additions to tanks with soft substrate that needs to be turned, like sand.
Eat algae, detritus, and dead and dying plants
Best algae eating snails
Can live up to 2 years
Max size is 1 inch
Lots of colors and patterns
Usually too large to be eaten by goldfish
- Eat algae, detritus, and dead and dying plants
- Best algae eating snails
- Can live up to 2 years
- Max size is 1 inch
- Lots of colors and patterns
- Usually too large to be eaten by goldfish
Prefer low end tropical water temperatures
Lay non-viable eggs on surfaces in the tank
- Prefer low end tropical water temperatures
- Lay non-viable eggs on surfaces in the tank
Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 64-86˚F
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
MTS love to eat algae, but will also eat leftover food from the substrate, dead and dying plants, and just about any food offerings you provide to them. They are most active at night, so it’s not unusual to rarely see your MTS.
These snails reproduce asexually, which has earned them a reputation for being pest snails. To prevent a major population boom, it’s important to ensure you aren’t overfeeding your tank. They usually will only reproduce based on the availability of food.
Pros
Eat algae, detritus, leftover food, proteins, and dead and dying plants
Can live up to 2 years with excellent care
Max size is 1 inch
Great for keeping substrate turned
Self-limit their populations based on availability of food
Cons
Asexual reproduction
- Odyssea Aquarium Panda Corydoras – Premium Choice
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Growth rate: Slow
Max size: 5 inches
Temperature needs: 65-75˚F
Lifespan: 5 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
The premium choice for algae eaters for goldfish tanks is the Corydora catfish. These thick-bodied fish only reach around 2.5 inches in length and can exceed 5 years of age with proper care. In the wild, they thrive in water temperatures as low as 60˚F, so they can live happily within the preferred temperature range of goldfish. These fish can breathe room air much like goldfish can, so they can survive in low oxygen environments.
Eat algae, detritus, leftover food, proteins, and dead and dying plants
Can live up to 2 years with excellent care
Max size is 1 inch
Great for keeping substrate turned
Self-limit their populations based on availability of food
- Eat algae, detritus, leftover food, proteins, and dead and dying plants
- Can live up to 2 years with excellent care
- Max size is 1 inch
- Great for keeping substrate turned
- Self-limit their populations based on availability of food
Asexual reproduction
- Asexual reproduction
Growth rate: Slow
Max size: 5 inches
Temperature needs: 65-75˚F
Lifespan: 5 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
There are lots of varieties of Cory cats, including albino and “panda”. They are the best fish for eating algae in goldfish tanks but do require supplemental feeding since they are omnivorous. These egg-laying fish are not picky when it comes to reproducing in the tank environment, so if the eggs and hatchling fry can survive the goldfish in the tank, you will be able to keep a breeding population.
Many Corydoras are wild caught, which can make it difficult and stressful for them to adapt to the home aquarium environment. Most Corys are more expensive than your average pet store fish, so be prepared for the premium price associated with these fish.
Pros
Best algae eating fish
Eat algae, detritus, and proteins
Broad temperature range
Can breathe atmospheric air
Lots of varieties
Reproduce readily
Cons
Premium price
Wild caught varieties may struggle to adjust to home aquariums
- Kazen Aquatic Mix Color Ramshorn Snails
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Growth rate: Rapid
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 60-80˚F
Lifespan: 1 year
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
Ramshorn snails are a popular aquatic snail that are hardy and can live in aquarium and pond environments. These snails are available in a variety of colors and have ramshorn-shaped shells, giving them their name. They usually stay below an inch in diameter and are great algae eaters and detritivores.
Best algae eating fish
Eat algae, detritus, and proteins
Broad temperature range
Can breathe atmospheric air
Lots of varieties
Reproduce readily
- Best algae eating fish
- Eat algae, detritus, and proteins
- Broad temperature range
- Can breathe atmospheric air
- Lots of varieties
- Reproduce readily
Premium price
Wild caught varieties may struggle to adjust to home aquariums
- Premium price
- Wild caught varieties may struggle to adjust to home aquariums
Growth rate: Rapid
Max size: 1 inch
Temperature needs: 60-80˚F
Lifespan: 1 year
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
These snails reproduce asexually and do so readily, much like Malaysian Trumpet snails. Ramshorn snails are frequently acquired as hitchhikers on plants. They thrive in a very large temperature range, making them ideal tank mates for goldfish.
These snails reproduce readily and reach sexual maturity within only about two months after birth, earning them a reputation as pest snails. They are egg-layers and are known for their spiral-shaped egg clutches, which they will lay on just about any surface within the tank.
Pros
Eat algae and detritus
Hardy to aquarium and pond environments
Lots of colors available
Usually stay below an inch in size
Readily reproduce
Thrive in a broad temperature range
Cons
Asexually reproduce
Reach sexual maturity rapidly
Lay eggs on surfaces within the tank
Eat algae and detritus
Hardy to aquarium and pond environments
Lots of colors available
Usually stay below an inch in size
Readily reproduce
Thrive in a broad temperature range
- Eat algae and detritus
- Hardy to aquarium and pond environments
- Lots of colors available
- Usually stay below an inch in size
- Readily reproduce
- Thrive in a broad temperature range
Asexually reproduce
Reach sexual maturity rapidly
Lay eggs on surfaces within the tank
- Asexually reproduce
- Reach sexual maturity rapidly
- Lay eggs on surfaces within the tank
It covers all you need to know about the ideal tank setup, tank size, substrate, ornaments, plants, and so much more!
- Finchville Aquatics Otocinclus Hoppei
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Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 2 inches
Temperature needs: 72-82˚F
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
The cute Otocinclus Hoppei, or Otocinclus catfish, can be a great addition to goldfish tanks, especially while goldfish are still small. They can reach up to 2 inches in length and thrive in temperatures as low as 72˚F. They can live up to 7 years with proper care in a home aquarium.
Growth rate: Moderate
Max size: 2 inches
Temperature needs: 72-82˚F
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
These petite catfish reproduce when they feel safe and comfortable in their aquarium environment. They are egg-layers and will lay their eggs on surfaces, including the tank glass. They almost exclusively eat algae and are very efficient at it, which means you may need to supplement their diet with algae wafers and other algae eater foods to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
Otocinclus catfish prefer to be kept in small groups, so you will likely need to get multiple. They are small, which makes them susceptible to being eaten by large goldfish. The low end of their temperature range barely overlaps with the upper end of the temperature range that is most comfortable for goldfish, so you’ll have to monitor the water temperature closely.
Pros
Eat algae almost exclusively
Reach up to 2 inches in length
Can live 5-7 years with excellent care
Reproduce in safe environments
Efficient algae eaters
Cons
Lay eggs on surfaces in the tank
Prefer to be kept in groups
May be too small to keep with large goldfish
Temperature range barely overlaps with that of goldfish
- Polar Bear’s Pet Shop 3 Striped Hillstream Loaches
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Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Max size: 3 inches
Temperature needs: 65-75˚F
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
The Hillstream loach is a unique addition to a home aquarium. They are cool-water fish, like goldfish, and while they do prefer some current, it does not need to be strong. These unusual looking fish can reach up to 3 inches in length and many people have reported them living up to 10 years or more with excellent care.
Eat algae almost exclusively
Reach up to 2 inches in length
Can live 5-7 years with excellent care
Reproduce in safe environments
Efficient algae eaters
- Eat algae almost exclusively
- Reach up to 2 inches in length
- Can live 5-7 years with excellent care
- Reproduce in safe environments
- Efficient algae eaters
Lay eggs on surfaces in the tank
Prefer to be kept in groups
May be too small to keep with large goldfish
Temperature range barely overlaps with that of goldfish
- Lay eggs on surfaces in the tank
- Prefer to be kept in groups
- May be too small to keep with large goldfish
- Temperature range barely overlaps with that of goldfish
Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Max size: 3 inches
Temperature needs: 65-75˚F
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Reproduces in freshwater: Yes
These fish are one of the easiest varieties of loach to breed. They are egg-layers and make use of egg-laying pits that the male guards, giving them a chance at reproduction, even with goldfish present. They almost exclusively eat algae and dead plant matter, but they do need some protein supplementation in their diet by way of bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, and other aquatic proteins.
Hillstream loaches are relatively shy fish, so you’ll need to ensure they are only kept with goldfish that will not chase or harass them. They are a premium price and can be difficult to find.
Pros
Tank parameters closely match those of goldfish
Reach up to 3 inches in length
Can live up to 10 years with excellent care
One of the easiest loaches to breed
Use egg-laying pits that goldfish are unlikely to steal eggs from
Cons
Require dietary supplementation of proteins
Shy and may not do well with rowdy goldfish
Premium price
May be difficult to find
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the Right Algae Eaters for Your Goldfish Tank
How big is your tank? If you have a couple of goldfish in a 15-gallon tank, then a small addition, like Malaysian Trumpet or Nerite snails may be great options for algae eaters. In large tanks, especially those that are heavily planted, you have more options for choosing algae eaters. The more space you have, the more fish or snails you can potentially have. A large tank may be a great fit for Hillstream loaches or Otocinclus catfish since they prefer to live with a few other of their own kind.
Consider what else is living in your tank. Not everything that is a good match to goldfish will necessarily be a good match to algae eaters. Some fish are more likely to bully or attack small fish or snails than goldfish are, so you should choose tank mates carefully. You should also consider what plants are living in your tank. Most algae eaters won’t eat live plants, but if they are not fed properly, they will turn on your plants. Some delicate plants may be too tempting, even with lots of food available.
What are Your Water Parameters Usually Like? Each type of algae eating animal has preferences for water hardness, temperature, and pH. Choose algae eaters whose preferences most closely match the norm of parameters within your tank. It is difficult for fish and invertebrates to adjust to new tank environments that have significantly different water parameters than what they are used to.
Do Algae Eaters Need Additional Food?
Yes! Algae eaters will, obviously, eat algae within your tank, but this isn’t enough. Some algae eaters are omnivorous, which means they will require supplemental proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals like calcium. Other algae eaters that almost exclusively eat algae still require supplemental feedings to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
Tank parameters closely match those of goldfish
Reach up to 3 inches in length
Can live up to 10 years with excellent care
One of the easiest loaches to breed
Use egg-laying pits that goldfish are unlikely to steal eggs from
- Tank parameters closely match those of goldfish
- Reach up to 3 inches in length
- Can live up to 10 years with excellent care
- One of the easiest loaches to breed
- Use egg-laying pits that goldfish are unlikely to steal eggs from
Require dietary supplementation of proteins
Shy and may not do well with rowdy goldfish
Premium price
May be difficult to find
- Require dietary supplementation of proteins
- Shy and may not do well with rowdy goldfish
- Premium price
- May be difficult to find
How big is your tank? If you have a couple of goldfish in a 15-gallon tank, then a small addition, like Malaysian Trumpet or Nerite snails may be great options for algae eaters. In large tanks, especially those that are heavily planted, you have more options for choosing algae eaters. The more space you have, the more fish or snails you can potentially have. A large tank may be a great fit for Hillstream loaches or Otocinclus catfish since they prefer to live with a few other of their own kind.
Consider what else is living in your tank. Not everything that is a good match to goldfish will necessarily be a good match to algae eaters. Some fish are more likely to bully or attack small fish or snails than goldfish are, so you should choose tank mates carefully. You should also consider what plants are living in your tank. Most algae eaters won’t eat live plants, but if they are not fed properly, they will turn on your plants. Some delicate plants may be too tempting, even with lots of food available.
What are Your Water Parameters Usually Like? Each type of algae eating animal has preferences for water hardness, temperature, and pH. Choose algae eaters whose preferences most closely match the norm of parameters within your tank. It is difficult for fish and invertebrates to adjust to new tank environments that have significantly different water parameters than what they are used to.
- How big is your tank? If you have a couple of goldfish in a 15-gallon tank, then a small addition, like Malaysian Trumpet or Nerite snails may be great options for algae eaters. In large tanks, especially those that are heavily planted, you have more options for choosing algae eaters. The more space you have, the more fish or snails you can potentially have. A large tank may be a great fit for Hillstream loaches or Otocinclus catfish since they prefer to live with a few other of their own kind.
- Consider what else is living in your tank. Not everything that is a good match to goldfish will necessarily be a good match to algae eaters. Some fish are more likely to bully or attack small fish or snails than goldfish are, so you should choose tank mates carefully. You should also consider what plants are living in your tank. Most algae eaters won’t eat live plants, but if they are not fed properly, they will turn on your plants. Some delicate plants may be too tempting, even with lots of food available.
- What are Your Water Parameters Usually Like? Each type of algae eating animal has preferences for water hardness, temperature, and pH. Choose algae eaters whose preferences most closely match the norm of parameters within your tank. It is difficult for fish and invertebrates to adjust to new tank environments that have significantly different water parameters than what they are used to.
One of the most common mistakes that people make with algae eaters, especially algae eating fish, is assuming that they don’t need to feed them. This usually leads to a slow, miserable death by starvation for the algae eaters. The algae in your tank is almost never enough to support an algae eater forever.
Conclusion
If you’re considering algae eaters for your goldfish tank, did you find these reviews helpful? Your best option for algae eating snails is Nerite snails, which are also the best overall option for algae eaters for goldfish tanks. The best algae eating fish for goldfish tanks is Corydoras, which are effective algae eaters, but do usually come at a premium price. Malaysian Trumpet snails are going to be the best algae eaters for the money, but their reputation as pest snails may make you uninterested in giving them a try.
- Related read: 10 Popular Types of Cory Catfish (With Pictures)
