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It depends not only on the type of algae eater, but also the size of the tank. If you're talking about plecostamus, they can grow to 6 feet long in the wild, and in a tank will usually die once they hit two feet long. (sad, really) All life has a genetic imperative to reach it's full size. If you put an animal (fish or whatever) in a container too small for it, it will become so stressed, eventually, that it will die. That is why people think goldfish live for only 2 or 3 years, when in actuality their life span is closer to 25 years. If you get a pleco, try to get a dwarf (7 inches long fully grown). If you are looking for an algae eater, try an otocinclus, a coryadora, or a mystery/apple snail. They do a more thorough job and are less of a hassle to clean up after. Good luck!

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16y ago

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Are brine shrimp safe for plecostomus to eat?

Yes they are good as a treat but Plecos are algae eaters. Specialised food is available for algae eaters at good pet/fish shops


What are examples of algae eaters?

Mollys, Swordtails, Platties, Sucking catfish, Bristlenose catfish, Kissing gourami, and Plecostomus are all enthusiastic algae eaters. There are heaps more but too many to mention here.


What are types of algae?

Pleco - Suckermouth catfish , Siamese Algae Eater, Albino Algae Eater , Ancistrus - Bristlenose pleco ,Oto Catfish , Plecostomus ( Very aggressive and go well with Oscar ) All algae eaters go well with Oscars.


Are plecostomus good algae eaters?

Yes, they are. the plecostomus will eat algae, but feed them algae wafers daily and supplement their diet with fresh/cooked zucchini once a week. Fresh zucchini will need to be kept to the bottom of the aquarium. Do all of the feedings at night because plecostomus are nocturnal. I disagree. Actually, coryadoras do a MUCH better job at eating algae. Also, otocinclus and mystery snails, too. I'd recommend against a plecostamus unless it's a dwarf kind, and understand that they put out more waste than they remove from the tank. They're hardly worth the bother.


Which fish eats algae growing on a shark's body?

The most popular species of fish for algae eaters: 1. Plecostomus (several varieties) 2. Rosie Barbs (cherry) 3. Siamese Algae Eaters 4. Otto (Otocinclus 5. Many species of freshwater shrimp and snails are also great algae-eaters. 6. Catfish 7. Goldfish 8. Koi


What is the scientific name of the fish plecostomus?

A Plecostomus is a Tropical Fish from South America. They are often called "Sucker Fish" because they are seen sucking on the glass. They feed mainly on algae and/or algae wafers when they are kept as pets.


Do algae eaters and chichlids go together?

I don't know of any algae eating 'sucking catfish' that can be mixed with African Cichlids but some of the Malawi species of cichlid are Algae eaters I believe. As far as the other cichlids from the Americas and the Amazon goes, Plecostomus sp. can usually fit in with them OK. provided you make sure they all are of a similar size.


Do you have to have a plecostomus in your fish tank?

no but they are popular for their appetite for algae. if you do get a plecostomus be warned that they grow to about 2 feet long


What are the other uses of plecostomus?

Plecostomus are fun fish in an aquarium, they eat algae and grow over a foot long.


Do algae eaters consume brown algae as part of their diet?

Yes, algae eaters consume brown algae as part of their diet.


What are the differences between Siamese and Chinese algae eaters?

Siamese algae eaters are smaller and have a slender body with a dark horizontal stripe, while Chinese algae eaters are larger and have a more elongated body with a lighter coloration. Siamese algae eaters are peaceful and prefer to eat algae, while Chinese algae eaters can become aggressive and may not solely rely on algae as their diet.


What is the scientific name for a plecostomus algae eater?

Hypostomus plecostomus.. Plecostamus meaning folded mouth. Pleco (Latin for Fold) Stoma(mouth).