Shop algae eaters for sale online at Live Fish Store. Algae eaters are the aquarium cleanup crew: fish, snails, and shrimp that graze green, brown, and hair algae from glass, plants, and decor. Popular choices include otocinclus, bristlenose plecos, Siamese algae eaters, nerite snails, and amano shrimp, all packed with care and shipped overnight with a live arrival guarantee.
Why buy algae eaters from Live Fish Store
- Healthy grazers: we ship plump, active algae eaters that go to work as soon as they settle in.
- Overnight shipping: live fish and invertebrates ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: report any DOA within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free with standard shipping.
Choosing the right algae eaters for your tank
Match the algae eater to your tank size and the type of algae you have. Otocinclus, nerite snails, and amano shrimp suit tanks of 10 gallons and up and excel on soft green algae. Bristlenose plecos are ideal for 20 to 30 gallon tanks and larger, while Siamese algae eaters, one of the few fish that eat hair algae, do best in groups in 30 gallons or more. Most are peaceful and happy at 72 to 80°F with a pH near neutral.
Algae alone is rarely enough food. Supplement with algae wafers, spirulina, and blanched zucchini, especially in clean tanks. Be cautious with species that grow large or turn aggressive with age, such as common plecos and Chinese algae eaters.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
Algae eaters are bagged with oxygen, insulated, and shipped overnight within the USA. Every fish and invertebrate is covered by our live arrival guarantee: contact us within 2 hours of delivery about any DOA and we will issue store credit or send a replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Which algae eater is best for a small tank?
Nerite snails, amano shrimp, and a small group of otocinclus are the best choices for tanks of 10 gallons or less.
Do algae eaters need extra food?
Yes. Offer algae wafers and blanched vegetables a few times a week so they stay healthy when algae runs low.
Will algae eaters keep my tank clean?
They help with algae, but water changes, lighting control, and sensible feeding are still needed.
Popular Algae Eaters
