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You are here: Home / Saltwater Aquariums / Unique Algae Eaters for your Aquarium

Unique Algae Eaters for your Aquarium

by greg.chernoff

Even though battling algae is best done by finding and solving the underlying nutrient or lighting issue, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a few algae eaters in your tank to help keep it in check. Home aquariums naturally have more nutrients than wild ecosystems, and the slightest change in maintenance can lead to short term algae problems until it is addressed. While most websites and fish stores like selling hobbyists fish like tangs or Foxfaces, what do you do if you only have a 60 gallon tank or less and cannot house these fish? What about a nano tank? Are snails really the only option now? Nope! Although less talked about, there are several smaller species that will eat algae even better than tangs and Foxfaces.

Court Jester Goby

Also known as the Rainford Goby and Orange Lined Goby, these little guys are a great nano fish all around. Many nano fish are perching type fish, or ones that are usually seen sitting on the rocks or sand bed. Very few “free swimming” fish can live in tiny tanks (8-15 gallons), but this is one of them! These small fish are brightly colored, with a green to blue body, red horizontal stripes, yellow tinged face, and small white polka dots. Shy at first, they are incredibly peaceful towards tank mates and can even be kept in groups! Large or aggressive tank mates may scare them, so add your goby before these fish. Orange Lined Gobies graze on hair algae as their primary food source, and wild caught specimens may be hesitant to try prepared foods. For this reason, aquacultured gobies are recommended. Not only does it make our hobby more sustainable, but it ensures you will receive a healthy fish who is ready to mow down algae, but won’t starve when the tank is clean. Most of the time, tank bred fish are already trained to eat frozen food, flakes, and pellets in addition to hair algae.

Tailspot Blenny

Everyone knows that the Algae Blenny is great at controlling algae in aquariums. But, they can get rather large, I have had them reach 5 and 6 inches in length. And, many individuals get fairly aggressive and prevent you from keeping other blennies or gobies that look similar to the Lawnmower. Alternatively, try a Tailspot Blenny! These small blennies only require a 10 gallon tank or larger, unlike the larger species. And, they have flashier colors. Their namesake is the large black spot at the base of their tail, and they possess a orangish grey body with a bluish head and black and orange streaks on their cheeks. They can also be kept in pairs! Algae is one of their favorite foods, and they will keep their rock crevice looking pristine. During the day, they will venture out of their home crevice and clean any spots on your rockscape that could use some algae control. Aside from algae, they are not picky eaters. Pellets, frozen foods, and flakes will all be accepted by Tailspot Blennies.

Hector’s Goby

This little goby is very similar to the Court Jester Goby, although not as widely known. Hector’s Gobies are small fish only requiring a 10 gallon tank, and is completely reef safe. Their bodies are black with blue or red undertones, and they show off flashy, golden horizontal stripes and a spot on their dorsal fin. Another great “free swimming” fish for nano tanks, they are also very peaceful tank members and can easily be added together in a group. Even better yet, they are known to pick through the sand looking for bits of detritus, algae, and small worms. But, they are not a danger to any tank mates or invertebrates aside from this. Hector’s Gobies are another easy fish to feed, as frozen and small dry foods are readily accepted.

Two Spot Bimaculatus Blenny

Two Spots are very similar to Tailspot Blennies. They have strikingly similar body shapes, but are a more slate grey color with two black or dark brown spots on each side of their stomach area, and a black line through their eye. They are a good option for even 5 or 8 gallon pico tanks, as they typically don’t reach sizes much larger than one inch. Like most others on this list, they are easily scared by large or boisterous tank mates and make a better option for a peaceful set up. They appreciate being kept in groups, although it is not necessary. Once again, a good herbivore prepared or frozen food is accepted by these fish, as they aren’t incredibly picky eaters.

Bicolor Blenny

Bicolor Blennies are relatively popular fish, due to their low cost, pretty markings, and outgoing nature. Much like a Lawnmower Blenny, these larger fish will perch on your rocks and help keep them looking clean as algae eaters. Bicolors are slightly bigger than the others on this list, attaining sizes upwards of 4 inches. And, they are still considered a nano fish, but need at least a 30 gallon tank. In smaller tanks, they do have a tendency to become somewhat territorial. Male and female pairs can be kept, but multiple males should not be housed together except in exceedingly large tanks. Their colors are comprised of a grey head and stomach that fades into an orange posterior, and lovely blue eyes. I will add that a few hobbyists mention that their Bicolors do not touch hair algae, but the vast majority of owners report that they do indeed mow it down happily. As with most animals, it really depends on the individual! And, some Bicolor Blennies develop a taste for coral, especially green colored LPS. Although cases of this are few and far between, it scares some reef keepers and this fish is considered “reef safe with caution.” Most people offer their Bicolors algae wafers and nori in addition to prepared foods.

 

Lemon Peel Angel

Another large but not huge option is a Lemon Peel Angel. Although most dwarf angels are reported to pick at liverock and are considered algae eaters (I have had luck with Flame, Rusty, and Eiblii), Lemon Peels are generally regarded as the best in the business as far as the angels go. Many hobbyists that have owned a Lemon Peel say that hair algae and bryopsis quickly took root in their tank after they have lost their angel. This truly is a beautiful little fish, with its bright yellow body that is accented by electric blue outlines around the fins, gills, and eyes. They can reach sizes of about 5 inches, and should be kept in a tank of at least 55 gallons. But, they make for a beautiful replacement for hobbyists who want to own a Yellow Tang but simply don’t have a large enough tank! They are not a picky eater whatsoever, and will eat whatever is offered. They typically will demolish nori, so it is highly recommended to supplement their diet with seaweed, especially in low-algae systems. As with Bicolor Blennies, a few individuals may develop an appetite for fleshy corals, and this angel must be labelled “reef safe with caution.” I personally have never had a problem keeping these fish in reef tanks.

Final Thoughts on Algae Eaters

I always like to have a strong clean up crew and an algae eating fish or two as a first line of defense against algae blooms in my tank. Algae is something every single hobbyist will have to deal with at some point, and it is a natural occurrence both in the aquarium and on the actual reef. While maintaining proper water chemistry will drastically cut down on the amount of algae in your tank, you will still experience it in some form. And, since so many aquarium keepers have tanks under 60 gallons, it is important that these smaller algae eaters are recognized and not overlooked. While so many stores are willing to sell unsuspecting people Foxfaces and tangs as a cure-all for algae problems, these fish often get ignored even though they typically eat more algae more efficiently than tangs and Foxfaces. Surely, any algae eating fish in this list would make a wonderful addition to any saltwater aquarium and keep it free of unsightly algae!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Greg Angel says

    January 31, 2020 at 11:49 am

    Awesome critters

    Reply
    • Hilda E Beach says

      July 6, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      Great info.

      Reply
    • mark gravedoni says

      July 9, 2020 at 9:57 am

      Really want to try these new pods. They look delicious.

      Reply
    • Nick says

      July 13, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      This article gave me some options I hadnt considered.
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Juan Carlos Perez says

        July 27, 2020 at 11:31 am

        A one spot foxface rabbit fosh does the trick for me.

        Reply
      • cronamator says

        July 29, 2020 at 4:19 pm

        I loved my starry blennie. Such personality!

        Reply
    • glbridges says

      July 13, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      I agree!

      Reply
      • Tyler says

        July 19, 2020 at 6:46 am

        Yea

        Reply
    • vongyang1871 says

      July 16, 2020 at 7:36 am

      Good info on lemon peel angels

      Reply
    • whitemist7 says

      July 17, 2020 at 1:53 pm

      Awesome article. The blenny is my favorite little creature.

      Reply
  2. John Winter says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:18 am

    This is an excellent read. I book marked this for future reference.

    Reply
    • richardj.jackson19 says

      July 6, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      Great info!

      Reply
    • Christian Bragalone says

      July 6, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Great read, will be looking for some of these guys for my display in the near future.

      Reply
  3. Keith Taylor says

    July 6, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks for the information ?

    Reply
    • Kimberly Sims says

      July 28, 2020 at 9:41 am

      Good blend of algae eaters

      Reply
  4. jason.prindle says

    July 6, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    how do you keep the Lemon Peel Angel;s away from Coral? I see them in mixed reefs, but do we just add one & hope it doesn’t eat them?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Swetnam says

      July 13, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you so much for this article! it is great information and I will be getting one or more of these little guys soon. Thanks again!

      Reply
  5. Donna L Holder says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    thank you for sharing

    Reply
  6. dragonprincess74008 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    What a good read! I might have to change my stock wishlist to include a couple of these!

    Reply
  7. jburr37 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Great way to learn.

    Reply
  8. Lisa Ann Smith says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    Thank you! My kids and I enjoyed this article.

    Reply
  9. landonrp95 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Good to know there’s some alternatives to the regular CUC!

    Reply
  10. Devin says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    This is interesting
    Learned alot?

    Reply
  11. Jordn Gerardot says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Never heard of the Bicolor Blenny. Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Michael Ridgewell says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this info. A court Jester may be in my future.

    Reply
  13. Mark A Smith says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    Definitely a few things to consider when considering my next tank mate. Thanks for the info, super helpful!

    Reply
  14. Rudy Garcia says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    I never even considered the Court Jester or Hector’s Gobies when looking at getting algae eating fish. Good to know.

    Reply
  15. Richard M Jackson says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  16. smithma274 says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    Really great read, lots to consider!

    Reply
  17. gustafson.phil says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Great learning.

    Reply
  18. Marlon Holland says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Hi have a bicolor blenney, and did not know that they ate algae. I nice read and some great fish for me to think about.

    Reply
  19. Marlon Holland says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:08 pm

    Like the blog

    Reply
    • Daryl Reid says

      July 15, 2020 at 5:44 am

      Great information, thanks.

      Reply
  20. kathymiller9999 says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    Very knowledgeable information!

    Reply
  21. Compy Ginorio says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    I got few Goby in my 185gl DT and they are very well behave and fun to watch they are a plus in every tank.

    Reply
  22. ppatel1009 says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    wow this is interesting

    Reply
  23. Christian Bragalone says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Great critter, will be look for a few for my tank soon.

    Reply
  24. Ryan Slade says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Great write up will help for decision in the cleaners needed for these stages

    Reply
  25. Erick Brandao says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    Great content!

    Reply
  26. Michael Longfoot says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Jester Goby ?

    Reply
  27. Brandon Baumann says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:38 pm

    A lemon peel angel would be so cool in my tank!

    Reply
  28. Teri Embum says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    Love the mention of the Rainford Goby. Small but voracious eaters!

    Reply
  29. kayla18j says

    July 6, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    Really great read! I’ve been doing a lot of research lately as I’ve been wanting to get a larger aquarium and this definitely came in handy!

    Reply
  30. David Randall says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    Want that bicolor blenny

    Reply
  31. David Randall says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    Want that bicolor blenny

    Reply
  32. jenniferlincoln2628 says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    They are some cool looking fish

    Reply
  33. Komi says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Thanks for the info.

    Reply
  34. Brian Contest says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    saving for when the inevitable happens.

    Reply
  35. Joy Chadwick says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    I’m starting up a new tank, cant wait to start adding the fish!!!

    Reply
  36. Jeanne Brown says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    This was informative, thank you. I absolutely love tail spot blennies–they are adorable, although I didn’t really think of them as an algae eater. I do have a lawnmower blenny but he is in a 120 gallon tank with more aggressive fish. I have kept the hector and rainford gobies as well. Also, did not know the lemon peel was a particularly good algae eater, so that is great. (I have a coral beauty and flameback but I don’t see them eat a lot of algae. ) Thank you for the informative article.

    Reply
  37. Michelle Damon says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    Great products! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  38. Mitchell Draehn says

    July 6, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    Awesome read might add one to my new setup soon

    Reply
  39. Randy Haines Jr. says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    I really want a carribean pygmy angel!

    Reply
  40. David Yuen says

    July 6, 2020 at 11:12 pm

    I have a Lawnmower

    Reply
  41. Alexis Lopez says

    July 6, 2020 at 11:52 pm

    I got a 90gal and currently trying to grow lots of pods for my mandarine couple

    Reply
  42. Patrick LeBlanc says

    July 7, 2020 at 2:49 am

    What great suggestions for our tanks.. They are amazing little critters.

    Reply
  43. Granger says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:22 am

    I like urchins

    Reply
  44. Roger says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:51 am

    Great article

    Reply
  45. giddetm says

    July 7, 2020 at 5:07 am

    Gobys are awesome!

    Reply
  46. VicVil says

    July 7, 2020 at 6:55 am

    Tremendous!

    Reply
  47. Michael Mooney says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:46 am

    I like me some gobys

    Reply
  48. Carl Heller says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:58 am

    I’m still learning saltwater those are very interesting

    Reply
  49. jackgoldstein12.0 says

    July 7, 2020 at 8:26 am

    I had no idea about the court jester, awesome!

    Reply
  50. D says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Love that Bi-color Blenny

    Reply
  51. angelyrojas23 says

    July 7, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Beautiful fish

    Reply
  52. angelyrojas23 says

    July 7, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    Beautiful fish

    Reply
    • Kyle says

      July 7, 2020 at 9:47 pm

      I like Goby

      Reply
  53. Chuck Hamby says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    Great article!

    Reply
  54. Matt says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Great article.

    Reply
  55. Frederick Edwards says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    Good read.

    Reply
  56. rcillig says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    I love Christmas In July….

    Reply
  57. Tina R Rice says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    anything helps me clean less are 100% in my tank

    Reply
  58. taylor Edwards says

    July 7, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    Beautiful fish

    Reply
  59. Robert Paniagua says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    Beautiful fish have 3 different gobbys

    Reply
  60. Brad says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Nice

    Reply
  61. toeheadlover says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    They are definitely prettier than snails.

    Reply
  62. kaylie.marcellus says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    That court jester goby and the bicolor blenny are so cool, I love the blenny on the rock especially. I wish I had a reef tank, the fish are so cool.

    Reply
  63. kaylie.marcellus says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    That court jester goby and the bicolor blenny are so cool, I love the blenny on the rock especially. I wish I had a reef tank, the fish are so cool.

    Reply
  64. Logan says

    July 8, 2020 at 3:26 am

    Cool

    Reply
  65. call1471 says

    July 8, 2020 at 4:23 am

    Little big eaters. Gotta love it.

    Reply
  66. Bob & Brenda Gardner says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Very well written

    Reply
  67. Bob & Brenda Gardner says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:45 am

    This is a great read for new and veteran hobbiests

    Reply
  68. Laurel Whitney says

    July 8, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Interesting information here.

    Reply
  69. Michael w botzenmayer says

    July 8, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    Do Court jester goby School together? I would like to put a couple in the 1800 when I get it

    Reply
  70. Andrew says

    July 8, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    Saw a few of these at a lfs recently cool fish

    Reply
  71. Shonda Stracener says

    July 8, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    Would be wonderful to win Christmas in July!

    Reply
  72. mfoote11 says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:00 am

    Great blog!

    Reply
  73. maddies_mom2 says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:19 am

    Interesting, thank you.

    Reply
  74. Scott Even says

    July 9, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Super cool read

    Reply
  75. Chris Crisostomo says

    July 9, 2020 at 9:04 am

    Been searching for Tailspot for months. Sold out everywhere locally and online.

    Reply
  76. katrinkam says

    July 9, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Great info as always

    Reply
  77. Kevin says

    July 9, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    Bicolor are awesome.

    Reply
  78. Ttop says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Awesome info. Thanks for all you do!!

    Reply
  79. Lawrence Zapata says

    July 9, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    I need more fish in my tank

    Reply
  80. Diane Wolf says

    July 10, 2020 at 2:10 am

    Definately bookmarking for future reference, great info, thank you!

    Reply
  81. Dave Phillips says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:34 am

    great products all around !!

    Reply
  82. moses.mp10 says

    July 10, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    Awsome

    Reply
  83. Ray Waldrop says

    July 10, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    Love the goby

    Reply
  84. Denise a pratt says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    I really like the court jest goby. it is beautiful

    Reply
  85. denise pratt says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    I want a Court Jester Goby

    Reply
  86. AVeryFishyFish says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:49 pm

    I want the goby it’s so pretty?

    Reply
  87. C Lemansky says

    July 10, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Love that goby!

    Reply
  88. pumas0511 says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:35 am

    That court jester goby is what I am going with.

    Reply
  89. ksnyder0529 says

    July 11, 2020 at 7:44 am

    thanx for the great info❤

    Reply
  90. John Dickson says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:46 am

    Love to win.

    Reply
  91. gaylene0528 says

    July 11, 2020 at 9:00 am

    I love the Gobys

    Reply
  92. Tammy Liscio says

    July 11, 2020 at 9:30 am

    Thanks for all the information

    Reply
  93. Emily Leonard says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Great blog! thanks for the info

    Reply
  94. Brandon Miller says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    very cool fish

    Reply
  95. Brandon Miller says

    July 11, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    very cool fish

    Reply
  96. Jack Kevin Gerstein says

    July 11, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    I think the dwarf angels are really a overlooked algae eater

    Reply
  97. Jeff Hardwick says

    July 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Awesome

    Reply
  98. pekirk69 says

    July 11, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    love them all

    Reply
  99. shawn22vest says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Great information for beginners and experienced hobbyists

    Reply
  100. Travis Hall says

    July 11, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    good info

    Reply
  101. Sam says

    July 11, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Beautiful fish

    Reply
  102. Nathan R. Knowles says

    July 12, 2020 at 3:02 am

    Very cool

    Reply
  103. Patrick Macalalad says

    July 12, 2020 at 6:21 am

    Great.

    Reply
  104. Tamara Tanner says

    July 12, 2020 at 8:27 am

    in with whole heart

    Reply
  105. Robert Dinsmore says

    July 12, 2020 at 10:39 am

    Good Stuff

    Reply
  106. Dale Louderback says

    July 12, 2020 at 11:30 am

    learn something new everyday

    Reply
  107. hawaiijack says

    July 12, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    read ie

    Reply
  108. haynpaula says

    July 12, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Great info. Thanks for sharing knowledge.

    Reply
    • Michael Kessler says

      July 29, 2020 at 10:47 am

      Great article, might be couple fish I add.

      Reply
  109. JANICE WRIGHT says

    July 12, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    This is great information, especially since I am a newbie!

    Reply
  110. Alicia Hewitt says

    July 12, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    Great info. Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  111. Vickie L Couturier says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:18 am

    how interesting,,i did not know any of this,,great information to know

    Reply
  112. Brittany Gilley says

    July 13, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Thanks for the great article

    Reply
  113. dwarstler3 says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:29 am

    Learning so much and for that I thank you!

    Reply
  114. RAMON MATEO says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    cant wait for tank to cycle

    Reply
  115. john-3645 says

    July 13, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    time to get some new fish for my tank!

    Reply
  116. Chris says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    you guys rock great info!!!

    Reply
  117. Don Newell says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    So neat

    Reply
  118. jimmeiners says

    July 13, 2020 at 2:49 pm

    These articles are always a great read and full of information.

    Reply
  119. Tina Votaw says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    The court jester goby is so pretty!

    Reply
  120. Tina Votaw says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    The court jester goby is so pretty!

    Reply
  121. Chad Migues says

    July 13, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Need to know what I can put in a 5 gallon aquarium with a beta

    Reply
  122. Steven Flores says

    July 13, 2020 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks for the suggestions and info regarding these fish

    Reply
  123. Ethan Chavez says

    July 13, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    I have a lemon peel angel and it is always busy. Great article!

    Reply
  124. Dongyu says

    July 13, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    Super cooool!

    Reply
  125. Abbey Feller says

    July 13, 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Thanks for the info! My kiddos will love these little guys!

    Reply
  126. Paul Walz says

    July 13, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    All ideas are awesome

    Reply
  127. Dallas says

    July 13, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    I have always wanted a court jester goby, but felt it might not make it in my tank with the current tank inhabitants.

    Reply
    • Scott D Carpenter says

      July 23, 2020 at 1:44 am

      Good article
      I have had a few if these over the years.

      Reply
  128. pacotilla says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Loved learning new info for my tank.

    Reply
  129. carliehoch1 says

    July 13, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    Gobies are my absolute favorite fish. Currently have 3 different types in my 30 gal.

    Reply
  130. Kyle says

    July 13, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    Great read

    Reply
  131. rp6610 says

    July 13, 2020 at 11:47 pm

    Always good to have an algae eater or two. As long as both animals are compatible with each other. 🙂

    Reply
  132. Kris Ritchie says

    July 14, 2020 at 6:31 am

    Nice article

    Reply
  133. demetrius463 says

    July 14, 2020 at 7:54 am

    Very informative!

    Reply
  134. reynaldo787 says

    July 14, 2020 at 10:48 am

    Great info.

    Reply
  135. rebeckie42 says

    July 14, 2020 at 10:50 am

    They are such beautiful fish!

    Reply
  136. John Simon says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:12 am

    Love the info

    Reply
  137. zadok jollie says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Great information!! I have an issue with algae at the moment and I will definitely be getting one of these fish.

    Reply
  138. zadok jollie says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Ill be picking up one of these fish for sure to help out my tank.

    Reply
  139. zadok jollie says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:47 am

    Great information! I will definitely be getting one of these fish.

    Reply
  140. david.c.garcia53 says

    July 14, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Great read!

    Reply
  141. lisa.stuebner says

    July 14, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    The court jester blenny is soo cool

    Reply
  142. saintdominick says

    July 15, 2020 at 2:52 am

    I have a fresh water tank right now and I found AlgaeBarn through a contest and I gotta say this company is so well informed. I’m reconsidering startling a saltwater tank. I struggle a lot with finding good information and reliable products. I’m gonna start shopping here from now on.

    Reply
  143. saintdominick says

    July 15, 2020 at 2:57 am

    Awesome blog. I like this cause it’s easy to learn and share ideas this way

    Reply
  144. danhead10 says

    July 15, 2020 at 6:10 am

    Good information helpful

    Reply
  145. davirjlopes says

    July 15, 2020 at 8:06 am

    Great stuff!!!

    Reply
  146. davirjlopes says

    July 15, 2020 at 8:06 am

    Great stuff!!!

    Reply
  147. davirjlopes says

    July 15, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Added the bicolor blenny to my wishlist of fish! Thank you!

    Reply
  148. Phil Quinlan JR. says

    July 15, 2020 at 9:25 am

    Very informative.

    Reply
  149. Josimar Miguel Chali Mijangos says

    July 15, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Oh yeah cool critters

    Reply
  150. johndudley805 says

    July 16, 2020 at 7:38 am

    I may have to get a court jester.

    Reply
  151. Morgan Maples says

    July 16, 2020 at 8:01 am

    Cool!

    Reply
  152. Jeremy Taylor says

    July 16, 2020 at 9:42 am

    Cool

    Reply
  153. Catherine says

    July 16, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Interesting!

    Reply
  154. David Heath says

    July 16, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    I would love this

    Reply
  155. Colleen Schilinski says

    July 16, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    Great Information !!

    Reply
  156. scotty8284 says

    July 17, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Really helpful information!

    Reply
  157. dixtated says

    July 17, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    interesting

    Reply
  158. a.cuffy says

    July 18, 2020 at 5:43 am

    Are these the only fish that will eat algae’s ?

    Reply
  159. a.cuffy says

    July 18, 2020 at 5:43 am

    Are these the only fish that will eat algae’s ?

    Reply
  160. Alyssa Bennett says

    July 18, 2020 at 7:28 am

    I love goby’s and blenny’s, I guess I never realized that they’re algae eaters. 🙂

    Reply
  161. Anthony Wong says

    July 18, 2020 at 7:33 am

    I didn’t know the court jester ate hair algae!!! ?

    Reply
  162. Mackenzie Hayes says

    July 18, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    Great post!

    Reply
  163. Ernest Gray says

    July 19, 2020 at 8:01 am

    Gobies are cool

    Reply
  164. jessetburkett says

    July 19, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Very informative!

    Reply
  165. Macco says

    July 20, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Wow, the Lemon Peel!!

    Reply
  166. roguereef94 says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Great info

    Reply
  167. Esther says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    The gobies are the cutest!

    Reply
  168. Jeff Kostedt says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:47 pm

    Thanks for the good and useful information.

    Reply
  169. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    New to fish aquariums, what is a nano fish.

    Reply
  170. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Must learn more before I get an aquarium.

    Reply
  171. Joaquin Diaz says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Oh Lord, there are so many comments. I do agree that these are quite interesting critters. But my favorite is the foxface. You did not include it and that is A.. Ok.. but the foxface is just so darn cute.

    Reply
  172. jugheadmckinney says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    Great learning experience prior to getting an aquarium.

    Reply
  173. Jonathan Smith says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Best part of a reef tank

    Reply
  174. Octavio V says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    I knew I made the right choice in buying a bi-color Blenny

    Reply
  175. Octavio V says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    I knew I made the right choice in buying a bi-color Blenny. Now I want a lemon peel angel fish

    Reply
  176. Octavio V says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    Good to know

    Reply
  177. Jeremy says

    July 20, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    These guys are good addition to any reef tank adds colors and functionality.

    Reply
  178. lavishtour says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    My lawnmower blenny is a hard worker. He works the tank like a professional gardener.

    Reply
  179. Russell George says

    July 20, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    Good to know. We just got a little 25gal tank for our grandson and I wasn’t sure what kinds of fish to put in it. Now I know some that can help clean up and don’t get too big.

    Reply
  180. henry says

    July 20, 2020 at 5:30 pm

    great info but key words turn me away from these fish lol “reef safe with caution”

    Reply
  181. Tracy Schultz says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Great info here

    Reply
  182. Tracy Schultz says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Great info here

    Reply
  183. Frank Politi says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    Blenny is the next purchase in my reef

    Reply
  184. Jorge says

    July 20, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    Excellent information. Thanks

    Reply
  185. Jaana K Gilbert says

    July 21, 2020 at 5:33 am

    Will have to come back to this article again, worth reading.

    Reply
  186. Roy Ailshie says

    July 21, 2020 at 6:43 am

    Great post

    Reply
  187. Robert says

    July 21, 2020 at 7:29 am

    Another great resource to verify and acquire new knowledge within the hobby. Thanks again.

    Reply
  188. Amanda Zlab says

    July 21, 2020 at 11:50 am

    Love the Bicolor Blenny, they have great personality

    Reply
  189. Abdiel Nieves says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    Love watching Mollies go to town on annoying algae

    Reply
  190. Shaun says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    Love the Goby

    Reply
  191. Macco says

    July 21, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    I need a Lemon Peel!

    Reply
  192. Christina Wahrmund says

    July 21, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    I love the orange tail fish, but it is not as good with algae as the other algae eaters listed here.

    Reply
  193. shadlepreston says

    July 22, 2020 at 12:34 am

    I want more!

    Reply
  194. Ricardo c. says

    July 22, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Lookin to get a bicolor again.

    Reply
  195. John Solomon says

    July 22, 2020 at 10:27 am

    Very informative. I have a Foxfacea that deals with algae, but will keep a look out for other inhabitants when the time comes (Y)

    Reply
  196. jul.ignacio says

    July 22, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    I always wanted a lemon peel angel

    Reply
  197. ryan2577p says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:14 am

    Some great points in this post!!

    Reply
  198. ryan2577p says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:14 am

    Some great points in this post!!

    Reply
  199. Rebecca Riles says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Helpful

    Reply
  200. kaylaroe1990 says

    July 25, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    ?

    Reply
  201. crystalgpscott says

    July 26, 2020 at 12:58 pm

    The blenny for the win! I adore blennies!

    Reply
  202. Betsy Myers says

    July 26, 2020 at 5:19 pm

    I didn’t know all that! Very educational .. and helpful

    Reply
  203. Grace Riley says

    July 27, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    My Blenny does a great job and might have the biggest personality on the reef!

    Reply
  204. Daniel Paris says

    July 27, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Nice to know there are more options to eat algae than typical tangs.

    Reply
  205. Caleb A Bates says

    July 28, 2020 at 1:23 pm

    My Court Jester Goby is my favorite fish.

    Reply
  206. Donald says

    July 28, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Great info!

    Reply
  207. Angel says

    July 28, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    Who knew great information

    Reply
  208. ROBERT FERNETTE says

    July 29, 2020 at 12:51 pm

    I’ve got a lawnmower blenny that does the trick for taking care of any algae on my live rocks, as well as my hermit crabs, green emerald crabs, and my sally lightfoot crabs.

    Reply
  209. DeAnna Heil says

    July 29, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    Great information! Something besides your typical pleco.

    Reply
  210. hotdolphin21 says

    July 29, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    Great article!

    Reply
  211. Shannon Pickin says

    July 29, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    I have one algae eater in my tank. He gets along great with my Angel fish.

    Reply
  212. Debra Hayson says

    July 30, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    this full of a lot of useful information

    Reply
  213. Trevor Burns says

    July 30, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    Xmas in july

    Reply
  214. Kaden Horn says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:20 pm

    Some of these make a huge difference in the ability to control algae growth

    Reply
  215. Joey Gatlin says

    July 30, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    Love gobys

    Reply
  216. Mary Robling Meadows says

    July 31, 2020 at 5:25 am

    I love the Rainford Goby! Going to look in to getting a few of these! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  217. Kelly Freeman says

    July 31, 2020 at 6:07 am

    thanks for the info!

    Reply
  218. kirkbovie says

    July 31, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    My plans are to add fish by personality and swim traits.

    Of course a pair of clowns that host a anemone.
    A rock percher like a Clown goby or hawk fish.
    Open swimmer. Maybe a school of anthias or chromis.
    A algae eater. I really like the starry blenny but I want to keep a Midas also so I don’t know. Definitely a pistol shrimp and goby pair. Lastly to complete my fish stock any reef safe wrasse. They’re stunning!

    Reply
  219. kirkbovie says

    July 31, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    My plans are to add fish by personality and swim traits.

    Of course a pair of clowns that host a anemone.
    A rock percher like a Clown goby or hawk fish.
    Open swimmer. Maybe a school of anthias or chromis.
    A algae eater. I really like the starry blenny but I want to keep a Midas also so I don’t know. Definitely a pistol shrimp and goby pair. Lastly to complete my fish stock any reef safe wrasse. They’re stunning!

    Reply
  220. Nicole says

    July 31, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    Good info

    Reply

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