Algae eater

[SourAngelfish]

I had a fish recently that died and it was able to keep my hair algae in check, but since he died it’s starting to creep up my coral frags and irritated them. The problem is that there’s an angel in this tank and the tank is a nano, the angel was never aggressive with the small goby as it had preestablished territory, the goby had a whole cave under the rock. I would like to try and find a lawnmower blenny that will eat mysis but what if the angel were to try and attack it? Are lawnmowers fairly aggressive? I doubt the angel would be really aggressive as it has been with a goby known for being fairly shy/sensitive so it’s more of a “what if” situation. The fish wouldn’t be just for clean up crew as I like the lawnmower blenny as a fish in general I just haven’t had the right tank for one really. Would this work?

 

[Big G]

Ninja Star snails are relentless cleaners of algae and are kinda cool looking.

 

[Maritimer]

Lawnmowers, starry blennies, tailspots aren't precisely aggressive, but they can generally dodge and shrug off aggression from other fish. They're also _very_ good at ducking into holes when something's annoying them.

~Bruce

 

[SourAngelfish]

Lawnmowers, starry blennies, tailspots aren't precisely aggressive, but they can generally dodge and shrug off aggression from other fish. They're also _very_ good at ducking into holes when something's annoying them.

~Bruce

Okay good, I might as well try one, I can always return it if it decides to not work out... what Nano fish are best for eating algae?

 

[Maritimer]

I wouldn't call lawnmowers or starry blennies "nano-fish", but could see that designation for a tailspot blenny. Hector's and Rainford's gobies also fit that category, and will happily snack on hair algae.

~Bruce

 

[SourAngelfish]

I had a hectors previously that died from lack of pods I suspect, will the tail spot be like this as well.

 

[Maritimer]

No. Tailspot blennies adjust better than Hector's, I think - and don't really do 'pods at all. Algae, pellets, frozen food - absolutely.

~Bruce

 

[eatbreakfast]

Hectors and rainsford gobies are among the best hair algae eaters. Starry and lawnmower blennies may eat hair algae, but can also be picky. I would recommend against a lawnmower in a nano, as they often refuse offered foods and a tank that size may not meet their needs.

Halloween and tuxedo urchins do a great job of eating various algaes.

 

[SourAngelfish]

I’ll probably either get the tail spot or find a hector/lawnmower that will take mysis.

 

[SourAngelfish]

My tuxedo urchin also won’t touch it, it’s a weird hair algae, brown and really long. The hector was the only thing that would keep it in check.