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.