Do Angelfish Eat Algae? (Know Expert Opinion)

I am an avid and conscientious aquarium owner. My home aquarium tank has several species of algae along with several species of fish.

However, the aquarium tank is not looking good, so I decided to add some nice-looking Angelfish to the tank.

Suddenly remembered that angelfish is known as an omnivore, so do angelfish eat algae? I started researching this topic and finally found the answer.

The angel fish is an omnivore, which means it will eat plant and animal material. So, if you have algae in your aquarium, the angel fish will most likely eat it.

In addition to being beautiful to look at, they like to eat more than other fish. If your angelfish are extra hungry, they will eat the algae in the aquarium.

In this article, I will discuss what types of algae angelfish like to eat and how to prevent them from eating algae.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on whether or not angelfish eat algae!

How many types of algae can your Angelfish eat?

There are many species of algae commercially available for aquarium tanks, but are all species of algae good for your angelfish to eat?

In this section, I will discuss some species of algae that angelfish in your aquarium can eat. Let’s get started, then.

Slime Algae

This type of algae is not a true algae but cyanobacteria.

It can be found in fresh and saltwater aquariums and often appears as a slimy film on the glass or decorations.

While some aquarists consider slime algae a nuisance, it is a good food source for many fish, including angelfish.

In addition, slime algae can help to control nitrate levels in your aquarium.

Brown Algae

Brown algae are one of the most common algae found in freshwater aquariums.

They often appear as brown or red spots on the glass, plants, and decorations.

While brown algae are not as nutritious as some other algae, they are still a good food source for many fish, including angelfish.

In addition, brown algae can help to control nitrate levels in your aquarium.

Green Algae

Green Dot Algae

Green Dot Algae is a type of algae that is often found in freshwater aquariums.

Angelfish are one of the most popular fish to eat this type of algae. Green Dot Algae is not harmful to angelfish and is a good food source for them.

If you have an aquarium with angelfish, you will likely see them eating Green Dot Algae at some point. This is nothing to be concerned about and is a good thing for the fish!

Ways to prevent your angelfish from eating algae

Now you know what algae are suitable for your angelfish to eat. But what if you don’t want them to eat algae at all?

Increase the feeding frequency of angelfish

Besides being beautiful to look at, angelfish have a few quirks, one of which is overeating.

The primary way to prevent your angelfish from eating algae is to increase their feeding frequency. If they are well-fed, they will be less likely to look for other food sources.

There are a few ways to do this:

• Feed them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
• Add some live plants to their tank.
• Supplement their diet with vitamin-enriched foods.

Create a proper feeding schedule for angelfish

Another way to prevent your angelfish from eating algae is to create a proper feeding schedule.

A good rule of thumb is to feed them once a day and only give them as much food as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.

This will ensure they get the nutrition they need without overfeeding them.

Amount of food for angelfish in a day:

• Morning (8-10) a.m.: 1/8 – 1/4 cup
• Afternoon (2-4) p.m.: 1/8 – 1/4 cup
• Evening (8-10) p.m.: 1/8 – 1/4 cup

You can also try feeding them twice a day, but be sure to reduce the amount of food.

 Eliminate algae from your aquarium

To prevent your angelfish from eating algae, you need to eliminate the algae from your aquarium.

• There are a few ways to do this:
• Regularly clean the gravel and decorations in your tank.
• Change the water regularly.
• Use an algae eater fish.
• Do not overstock your aquarium.
• Use a UV sterilizer.

Following these steps can prevent your angelfish from eating algae and keep your aquarium looking clean and beautiful.

Turn off the light in the tank

If you want to prevent your angelfish from eating algae, you need to turn off the light in the tank.

Algae need light to grow, so you can prevent them from turning off the light. You should also avoid putting your aquarium in direct sunlight.

If you do this, the algae will not have the light they need to grow, and your angelfish will not be able to eat them.

Clean the aquarium regularly

Another way to prevent your angelfish from eating algae is to clean the aquarium regularly.

You should remove any debris or uneaten food from the tank so that the algae will not have anything to feed on.

You should also vacuum the gravel and wipe down the glass regularly. By doing this, you can remove the algae before it has a chance to grow.

My personal opinion

I think Angelfish do not actually eat algae; they just graze on it.

I have never seen one of my Angelfish go after a piece of algae to eat it, and I have had them for years.

Some people say Angelfish will eat algae if they are hungry enough, but I have never seen this happen.

I think people believe that Angelfish eat algae because they are often seen near algae and will nibble on it occasionally.

However, I believe they are just grazing and not eating the algae.