Amongst the algae-eating, tropical herbivorous marine fish, the yellow tang is certainly one of the most popular in the aquarium industry. In fact, the tangs in general are considered by many to be some of the best grazing tropical aquarium fish. While tangs are great algae-eaters, there are many other algae-eating tropical marine fish that the aquarist should consider. There are also a few from which the aquarist should steer clear.
Ecological Niche
Algae-eating tropical marine fish play a crucial role on the world’s tropical reefs. Without algae-eating tropical fish to keep algae in check, algae would quickly out-compete coral and other sessile invertebrates. In fact, this is exactly what has happened on many Western Atlantic tropical reefs following a sharp decline in herbivores including both fish and algae-eating invertebrates such as sea urchins.
The tropical marine aquarist should always keep in mind a fish’s ecological niche in terms of both conservation and utility. It is essential that the tropical marine fish aquarium industry not contribute to overfishing of algae-eating tropical marine fish. Having said this, responsibly including algae-eating tropical marine fish in a saltwater aquarium is highly recommended.
Choosing the Right Algae-Eating Tropical Marine Fish
Selecting a fish to add to an aquarium is a complex process of balancing many factors. The aquarist must consider fish and invertebrate compatibility, adult size, bioload, feeding habits, aquascaping, and many other critical factors. Most of this information is readily available online on sites like FishBase, Blue Zoo Aquatics and Microcosm Aquarium Explorer.
Diet - Different Strokes for Different Folks
Like people, different herbivores prefer different types of herbivorous foods. Not all people who eat meat like liver, for example. If you are considering an algae-eating tropical marine fish to assist with algae control in the aquarium, you first need to identify the type of algae in your aquarium that you wish to control.
Algae grow in every healthy marine aquarium. That is usually a good (even essential) thing. When aquarists talk about algae control, they are usually talking about controlling so-called nuisance algae. With over 7,000 species of green algae—and that’s just green algae!—it is well beyond the scope of this article to provide a species identification guide to algae. Check sites like Bob Fenner’s WetWebMedia for identification guides and pictures of algae species.
Recommended Tropical Herbivorous Fish for Algae Control
Once you know the type of nuisance algae you want to control, you are ready to find that algae-eating fish to keep it in check. Keep in mind that some algae outbreaks are cyclical and are indicative of an unstable ecological environment. Once the tank is stabilized, you may no longer have an abundance of the type of algae you were targeting with that fish species, and now you will need to supplement that fish’s diet with more herbivorous foods. In light of these considerations, it is suggested that you create a stocking plan during the tank’s planning phase which includes carefully chosen herbivores to keep common algae in check.
If algae are a major problem in your aquarium, remember that you really need to address the root causes (e.g. excessive nutrients).
Algae-eating tropical marine fish to consider:
Algae-Eating Blennies
The appropriately named lawnmower blenny is the star, but there are others.
Tangs
Of course there is the Yellow Tang, which is heartily recommended, but there are others worth considering.
Rabbitfishes
In many aquarists’ experience, rabbitfishes are better grazers than tangs, but they may not be reef compatible.
Angelfish
Dwarf angelfish are tremendous grazers and amongst the most beautiful algae-eating tropical marine fish suitable for the aquarium.
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