

The same is true of corydoras catfish and synodontis catfish, both of which are native to the waters of South America. Some species, like the tiger shovelnose catfish, are harvested when they are young and sold for use in freshwater tanks. There are many species of catfish in freshwater locations all over the world. They are a popular fish for anglers who want to eat their catch. Final thoughts about bottom feeder fishįreshwater bottom feeding fish (ponds, lakes and rivers) Catfish Catfish are a popular bottom feeder fish for anglers who want to eat their catch.Ĭatfish are probably the most well known of all the bottom feeder fish.Freshwater bottom feeding fish (ponds, lakes and rivers).As you study these, you will discover that many are related to the feeder species sold in the aquarium trade. They also improve water quality by constantly stirring up bottom sediment and eating aquatic organisms and some types of algae. Naturally occurring bottom dwelling fish typically help keep lake and river waters clean by eating debris and the remains of other fish. They will know which bottom feeder fish are compatible with other fish in a community tank. If you need help finding peaceful community fish to add to your freshwater fish tanks, ask the experts at your aquarium trade store. While your home tank may only be a 20 or 40 gallon tank, you can still find many species of bottom feeder fish that will get along with your other species. In zoos and retail store freshwater aquariums, it is not unusual to find catfish, crappie, bluegill, and bass cohabitating in a community tank. The size of your fish tank will determine what species of fish you can keep. If you have a larger saltwater tank, you can even add bottom feeder fish like rays and eels to your underwater community. Rosy barbs are very peaceful fish that travel in small schools (6-8 in a 40 gallon tank with other fish) and get along well with most tank mates. Cherry shrimp are bright and colorful and add a burst of color to your tank. The zebra loach has attractive patterning and feeds on algae and debris.

There are other fish who are bottom feeders that are also attractive and beautiful. Siamese algae eaters, otocinclus catfish, and cory catfish are great bottom feeders for your fish tank and add color and life to your aquarium hobby tank. Most people think of the bristlenose pleco, or vacuum cleaner fish, when looking for a cleaner fish, but there are many other fish species that help maintain a healthy aquatic environment in a freshwater aquarium. That is how they earned the nickname algae eater. Most bottom feeder fish would rather eat food leftovers or algae blooms than fish feed. Not only do they clean the bottom of the tank, but they clean up uneaten food that might affect pH balance and water quality. In a freshwater aquarium, algae eaters are essential to maintaining a healthy environment. Not only do bottom feeders eat fish poop, but they eat algae from the sides and bottom of the tank. Bottom dwellers who live in aquariums are valuable in keeping the tank clean. Bottom feeder fish can be found in natural freshwater settings and in saltwater natural settings.Īdditionally, small fish species have long been used in freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums. Some fish species, like catfish, feed from the bottom, but also spend time at different levels. Bottom feeder fish are those that eat from the bottom third of the water column, but not necessarily those that spend all their time at the bottom of the water column.
