Siamese Algae Eater

While technically a member of the carp family (Cyprinidae) rather than a true catfish, the Siamese Algae Eater (SAE) is one of the absolute greatest bottom-dwelling utility fish in the freshwater hobby. They are legendary for being one of the only fish that actively and eagerly consumes stubborn Black Brush Algae (BBA), along with hair algae and film algae.

They feature a streamlined, silver-gold body with a bold, distinctive black horizontal stripe that runs from the tip of the nose all the way to the very edge of the tail fin fork. SAEs are peaceful, highly active swimmers that do a fantastic job keeping planted aquascapes pristine, though they need a spacious tank since they grow surprisingly fast and love to dart across the lower levels of the aquarium.