Daphnia You can feed both live and frozenfoo… I love this genus of catfish. Some of them are actually pretty cool. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. They add variety and are useful cleaner fish that help maintain a healthier environment in your aquarium. I know, weird term, but it refers to where the mouth is located on the body, not it’s quality or performance. They also feed on mosquito larvae. Bottom feeders don’t just feed at the bottom of the tank, they live there too! Bottom feeders – Many bottom feeders are fish that can live well with blood parrots. Plecos are suckermouthed catfish from South America. They might have tendencies to eat overpopulated snails in the tank. Make sure to research the species before bringing it home. Bottom feeders have a special place in my heart. You could go with a synodontis cat, if you have a sizable tank. It’s better to put them in as large an aquarium as possible. They have what’s known as an inferior mouth. The ideal water temp for African cichlids is a fairly flexible range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Other shrimps used as aquarium bottom feeders include the following: Snails are tiny creatures that add a whimsical touch to the environment Aquarists put snails in their tanks for hopes of maintaining smoothness on the tank’s glass surfaces. Let’s go over the key characteristics of bottom feeders. In this guide, I’ll take you through the characteristics of bottom feeders, what I recommend, and what you should avoid so you don’t end up with a catfish that outweighs your dog. I really love these guys. Blue Bolt Shrimp – is unique and belongs to a rare species and has a color blend of green, blue, and yellow. Plecos aren't bottom feeders, and shouldn't be relied on as such, but they are generally compatible with cichlids. They have a flattened ventral region, which is fancy scientist talk for flat bellies. They require at least a 400 gallon (1,500 liters) aquarium. Since they eat almost constantly, they put off a lot of waste. Bumblebee shrimp – has white and body patterns. Creative commons license published on main page. Vlad Butsky from San Jose, CA, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons, Published by Zoologische Mededelingen, at http://www.zoologischemededelingen.nl . Barbels help fish find food. Source(s): I was a petco fish specialist until I quit due to a disagreement with policy, and I have kept fish for 5 years. And some, like pictus catfish, are even predators. Hobbyists regard these snails as pests not pets. That way, the fish can root around in the substrate for tasty treats but still keep its eyes looking up for predators. These guys are not the best choice for a lot of tanks. As mentioned, if you want a glass/rocks cleaner, use BN. They flit around and scour the bottom of the tank all day long. They are not bottom feeders in that they will eat up the uneaten food, they need their own food and have a very different diet than most of the cichlids Algae Eaters can eat anything, including the black beard algae. The Keyhole Cichlid is the best large yet peaceful fish species for a community fish tank because of its personality and odd colors that stand out. With that said, Red Devil Cichlids are not for the faint of heart. The Red Devil Cichlid, known scientifically as Amphilophus labiatus, is a beloved fish with a charismatic personality. Origins: South America, Southeast Asia and AfricaBehavior: Glide around on surfaces, eating algae and detritus.Compatibility/Temperament: PeacefulSize: inches 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters)Lifespan: 1 year. There is not enough territory for two fish to establish separate claims, and therefore the aggression would be excessive. Tiger Nerite Snail – has a smooth shell rather than rigid, brown but with some black areas that form some leopard spots and tiger stripes patterns. Being kept in too small a group can make them more aggressive.Size: 2-12 inches (5-30 centimeters)Lifespan: 10-20 years (there are some reports of clown loaches living up to 50 years). This is a very unique-looking fish … So even if just the outside of the mouth touches something edible, the fish can taste it and find it. Due to the aggressive nature of these fish, there are specific types of tankmates that should be avoided. Platies are fun fish to have; maintenance is easy because they are very hardy. Cories only grow to a few inches in length, and they are best kept in schools of six or more. They are renowned for their stunning visual appearance, unique behaviors and fun personalities.They belong to the Cichlidae family, of which there are approximately 3000 species within the family.Cichlids body types range from the tiny Neolamprologus multifasciatus, which are less than an inch long, to the Gian… Panda shrimp – a unique type but has an eye-catching coloration. Many cichlid-keepers tend to choose tank mates that are from Lake Malawi bec… Some of the species I’m about to go over need 1,000 gallon (3,800 liters) tanks, if not larger. Platies come in different patterns and colors. There is no one right substrate for every type of cichlid. Crayfish have joined head, thorax, and mid-section body. Dwarf (Corydoras hastatus) and panda cories (Corydoras panda) are really tiny and only get about an inch long. Modestfish.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some efficient aquarium bottom feeders are: By Dennis L. - originally posted to Flickr as Malaysian Trumpet Snail, CC BY 2.0, Link. When choosing tank mates for your peacock cichlid, compatibility should not be your only consideration. Many bottom feeders are adorable oddballs that could easily be the cornerstone species of a tank in my opinion. They do not attack your plants; if they do, you can drive them away anyhow. Green vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, and lettuce 6. They are the types of bottom feeder fish for aquariums that do not lay eggs, but juveniles at once but have tendencies to eat its fry. In fact, cories are schooling fish so they tend to prefer being kept in groups and in community tank settings. They have thin legs that they use for perching. These zones are for the surface feeders, the mid-water fishes, and the bottom feeders. Sure they’re little and cute in the store tank, but those are juveniles that can grow up to a foot in length and require at least a 100 gallon (380 liter) tank. They are nocturnal so they hide in a cave or under a submerged log during the day and emerge to feed on plants and algae at night.Compatibility/Temperament: Plecos are mostly peaceful. But, others will devour and kill live plants. Hello, I have a small painted turtle currently living with cichlids & feeders. Make sure to research a species before you decide to buy it. Depending on it, a proper diet of a Cichlid shouldconsist of: 1. In that size tank, no other tankmates can be recommended. The shell grows in rings as it swirls up from its apex. Certain species of fish, particularly loaches and other bottom feeders, sift their food from tank substrate so it may look like they are just digging around when they are actually looking for food. They can definitely squabble amongst themselves, but they are very peaceful when it comes to other fish. Without a doubt Cichlids are by far one of the most popular types of freshwater fish. A nunchuck specialist, I've kept aquariums for over two decades, enjoy experimenting with low-tech planted setups and an avid South American cichlid enthusiast. ), that grow to be less than 6 inches (<15 centimeters). They can get up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) and can get pretty aggressive when they become adults. Do not use copper-based medications, like Mardel Coppersafe or Seachem Cupramine, if you have snails or shrimp in your tank. Some fish in your aquarium bottom feeders fish list do not eat many algae but the Siamese. Though they may not feed on algae as some others in this bottom feeder fish list, mollies and some livebearers can eat algae if they become hungry. There are three zones in your tank to consider when stocking species of fish. Not only are they really sensitive to touch, but they also have tasting cells on them, almost like a tongue. The fish are better off without cichlids. In my opinion, bottom feeders are a great addition to almost any aquarium. Origins: Southeast AsiaBehavior: Loaches switch between manically scouring the substrate and lounging around like a kid watching cartoons. You can distinguish males having a long sword-like tail base. 8 Best Discus Foods Reviewed For a Healthy Balanced Diet 2021, What Do Plecostomus Eat? They also really appreciate a heavily planted tank. Blue Tiger Shrimp - is a beautiful blue shrimp that can add color to any tank. Panda–is light-colored with black marks. The Keyhole Cichlid is also one of the most intelligent of the cichlids. In case you can’t tell, I think they’re awesome and I highly recommend them. Luckily, there are some smaller varieties, like zebra (Botia striata) and dwarf chain loaches (Ambastaia sidthimunki). Bloodworm 7. I really don’t recommend apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata). They get added to tanks mostly as cleaner fish. Even if they reproduce, their life span is just short, 1-2 years, because they fall prey to other inhabitants in your tank so you can adopt a few pieces only. Pro Tip: Snails, and other invertebrates, are very sensitive to copper. They always remind me of a bunch of little kids playing, or maybe a pack of puppies. Since Plecos will mainly stick to the bottom of the tank, the African Cichlids will … Aquascape.guru is aimed to be the top rated hub for all aquarists and aquascapers around the world.Aquascape.guru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. They can even get satisfied with small crustaceans and the slimy fish coating. Just be aware, since they eat constantly, they poop constantly. I am after bottom feeder for my African cichlid tank. Some species can get over 9 inches long (23 centimeters). There are several species available and they’re really pretty. Also, there are lots of fish out there that think shrimp are very tasty…because they are. They eat up bits of food that make it past top and mid level feeding fish. In the aquarium, they are voracious algae eaters that will constantly graze along plants, decor and tank glass. Another important benefit of corydoras catfish is the fact that they are bottom feeders. Then he did a major overhaul of the tank and realized they had buried themselves in the substrate under a sponge filter at the back of the tank. They like a planted aquarium so they can hide and roam around. Corydoras Catfish. Small fish like tetras, guppies, and danios are also excellent tank mates. As always, research the species and make sure that they’ll be a good fit for your tank. … It’s not that I’m saying that I dislike these guys. My rainbow fish are seriously messy eaters and a lot of food gets past them. Not only are they aggressive to other fish, bu… Origins: AfricaBehavior: Synodontis are nocturnal, but you’ll often see them pop out of their hidey holes during the day to cruise around the tank, especially if there’s food.Compatibility/Temperament: Peaceful, but robust enough to hang out with African cichlids.Size: 4-10 inches (10-25.5 centimeters)Lifespan: Up to 10 years. These livebearers get along well with Swordtails, Bigger Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Angelfish, and Platies. They add variety and help maintain a healthier environment in your aquarium. I am trying to pick the best kind of bottom feeder not overly aggressive towards the cichlids but not under aggressive from the turtle. They like to be kept in a group of six or more.Size: 3-5 inches (7.6-13 centimeters)Lifespan: Up to 10 years. These fish are not aggressive because they are peaceful. But I'm not 100% sure on how well cichlids and peacock eels coexist. You can ensure that your fishlive up to their full lifespan by providing them with a healthy diet. You really don't need to have bottom feeders to eat extra food. Try to keep at least two in your tank. They’re commonly added to aquariums as part of the substrate and algae cleanup crew. Keep an eye out for aggression on your peacocks, you may have to move them. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These bad boys can reach 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and weigh over 50 pounds (22.6 kilograms). I rescued a Cichlid at pet store about a year ago that was so afraid of the giant Oscar, he actually turned from orange to white, I call him Whitey. And I wanted to add some sort of a bottom feeder, specifically a peacock eel. But, the average hobbyist can’t provide what they need long term or they’re a nuisance. Bloodworms 2. African Cichlid Tank Mates. Cories are active little bottom feeders who will putter around your tank cleaning up uneaten fish food and any other edible debris they can find. LoriSaysHey: I have 2 Cichlid’s in a 30-gal tank for 3 years (Manny and Moe) and Jack (the bottom feeder). Skunk loaches and blue botia can be very aggressive with other fish. They sometimes get into scrapes with other fish over their favorite hiding spot.Size: 3-24 inches (4.7-61 centimeters) depending on speciesLifespan: 10-15 years. Rchampagne assumed (based on copyright claims). Snails will eat algae on most surfaces in your tank and will gobble up uneaten food off the substrate. But seriously, I really do like all of the different species of bottom feeders available in the aquarium trade. And if you want cool fish on the bottom of your tank, get Synodontis. They will commonly latch onto the sides of tank mates to eat the slime coat, damaging the scales and skin of the other fish. I have a multipunctata in one of my tanks now; his name is Norman. My friend has six of them in a 40 gallon (150 liter) that he just couldn’t find for several months. Cherry Shrimp – in crimson color, and the most popular freshwater shrimp for aquariums, Babaulti Shrimp — in a variety of colors and stripes. I also like to add bottom feeders because they add another layer of interest into the aquarium. They are tasty, but unless you have at least a 300 gallon (1,100 liters) aquarium, don’t bring one home as a pet. The African peacock is a Lake Malawi cichlid, and they tend to prefer alkaline water with a stable pH level. Snails can consume much dirt and algae but give off a little. If it weren’t for bottom feeders, all that food that sinks past the rainbows would really foul up my water. There are many different varieties, all of them generally do well with discus and are good to keep as bottom feeders. Nerites do not grow big and just breed slowly. You can select which type will work for your best, those who do not reproduce. They are very aggressive and will eat any tank mate that will fit in their mouths. It’s hard to find fish that are cuter than cory cats. Crystal Red Shrimp – is expensive but very gorgeous because of its body pattern and difficult to care for. Others are herbivores that eat mostly algae and other plant materials. Zebra Nerite Snail – has a golden brown coloring with black stripes resembling the zebra pattern. This is another adorable little species that is a lot of fun to watch, especially when they’re kept in the right numbers. Going over every individual species is impossible to do in a single article. One to two small cichlids (between 3-5 inches) or one medium cichlid (between 6-8 inches) is acceptable. It has an unusual tail that resembles the shape of a sword where they got its name. There are over 300 identified species of Synodontis and many of them are available in the aquarium trade. Instead, you must consult the specific environmental needs of your cichlid and consider the needs of your individual tank. In some bottom feeders, like koi, the flat ventral region isn’t that severe. A lot of bottom feeders have a common body shape. Swordtails prefer shallow, well-planted community, where they can feed on algae, detritus, and other insects. Their mouths are round and look a lot like a suction cup. Therefore, you should consider it as a big centerpiece fish for your freshwater aquarium. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their aquatic friends. They get really big, really quickly, and they breed like crazy. Be sure to research the species as some of these guys can get VERY large, especially clown loaches (Chromobotia macracanthus). In a 75 gallon tank (4ft) a few tankmates are acceptable. Freshwater shrimp will constantly graze on algae, biofilm and food that gets past your fish. cichlids.com is the place for cichlid enthusiast to share their dedication, expand their knowledge, and do what they love. Brine Shrimp 3. Botia loaches are a bottom feeder that I have seriously considered dedicating an entire tank to. Most bottom feeders tend to stick to their roots, literally, and are only rarely ever seen near the top of the tank. Black Racer Nerite Snail – is brown that has areas of dark grey, black or gold. In their natural habitat, these fish shoal together in huge numbers, with thousands of individuals coming together in a group. This fascinating catfish also comes from South America and can grow to over 3 feet (0.9 meters). Loaches, catfish, and Eels are just a few of the many species that love being at rock bottom. I plan on adding a few more cichlids, not sure on what ones specifically, but they'll be in the 5-8in range when they'll be fully grown as I dont want ones that get bigger than that. I noticed when I vacumed out the tank that there was considerably less junk on the bottom than before I had one of them bottom feeders. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a62378a6aab77f4512979d3bc83a2318" );document.getElementById("h5b73784b0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are other hybrid types of this species such as the koi swordtail, neon swordtail, and pineapple swordtail. One thing to keep in mind, each species has its own preferred water conditions. Your mbuna will do some sifting of sand finding leftover food so a bottom feeder is not really needed for that, but a couple of cuckoo cats - Synodontis multipunctatus would look good in your tank and lots of people use bristlenose catfish for algae in mbuna tanks. These little guys are really good at hiding, like really good. Cichlids will clean up most of the food off the bottom anyway, and a pleco isn't that great at such tasks. I dated several when I was in high school. Bottom feeders are often the last ones in your priority list, but they can also be colorful and adaptable if you know the right species to add. [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons, By Ude (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons, By Veitw (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons. Sometimes, tank … If You'd like to see more of my tanks, check out my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kate.gets.tanked/, 8 Types of Bottom Feeders for your Fish Tank, Chinese Algae Eaters (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri), Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum), Redtail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), Benefits of Bottom Feeders for Your Freshwater Aquarium, Tank size: 30-125 gallons (110-475 liters), Plants and decor: Plecos need a hiding spot to hang out in during, Tank size: 30-150 gallons (110-570 liters). (Plecos, catfish, and loaches) Diet & water requirements – Make sure to choose only fish that require the same diet and water conditions as your blood parrot. But there are others, like the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus) or sailfin plecos (Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps), that can grow to be really large, 18-24 inches (46-61 centimeters). I really like nerites (Neritina sp.). If your Malawi let any food hit the substrate, you are overfeeding, LOL. They are the best among the types of bottom feeder fish for aquariums. If you want to spend less time cleaning the tank, get some Plecos. Next PostLudwigia Palustris Beginner's Guide », Your email address will not be published. They can show off for aquarists and even beg for food like a dog. thinking of some pleco 3 foot tank, 1500 l/min filtration, power head. Bottom feeders are often the last ones in your priority list, but they can also be colorful and adaptable if you know the right species to add. They can very quickly become a pest and they will utterly destroy live plants. The tail can have several rays. It is much smoother in texture unlike some nerite snails with a grooved shell. Angelfish and some peaceful community fish are ideal tank mates, including bigger fishes like barbs and gourami, which are not the aggressive types. I think they have great personalities and are really interesting to watch. This helps keep the tank cleaner because there isn’t a bunch of food rotting on the substrate. So they can have a major impact on your water quality. Pro Tip: Every species of shrimp has particular needs when it comes to water hardness. I really love these guys. They are peaceful fishes, friendly, and prefer to swim in a school. Types of Discus Fish – Which One Will You Choose? These are tiny free-swimming crustaceans that have long stretched bodies; some are curled. Go with smoother substrate like Caribsea Super Natural Sunset Gold. It will also happily eat up all your other fish as it grows. There are some varieties that can be very scrappy and are really not suited to a community tank. Bottom feeders are fish that primarily live and eat…well…at the bottom of the aquarium. In case you can’t tell, I think they’re awesome and I highly recommend them. Pro Tip: Cories love to root around in the substrate all day. Plants and decor: Shrimp will do best in a heavily planted tank.