Bottom feeders make an eye-catching statement and can help maintain water quality in an aquarium. Plus, their calm nature makes them excellent tank mates for most species of fish.
Geophagus cichlids from South America require large aquariums. Their highly specialized mouths enable them to latch onto substrate and scrape away biofilm or algae deposits from surfaces, while at the same time cleaning out your tank of biofilm or algae build-up.
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Peppered Cory Catfish
Corys are an ideal choice for beginner aquarium owners due to their hardiness and easy breeding capabilities. They thrive in dark tanks with plenty of roots and leaf litter; however, they may become skittish when exposed to high-energy aquascapes or too bright lighting environments.
Peppered Cory Catfish (Corydoras paleatus) are light tan fish with dark spots on its body, commonly referred to as Panda Cory in popular culture. This species and its relatives make excellent additions for any community or planted aquarium environment.
Bumblebee Goby
Bumblebee Gobies are bottom dwelling fish that spend much of their time navigating substrate. They tolerate wide salinities ranges, and will thrive even in brackish tanks as long as the temperature and conditions remain optimal.
Ideal aquarium environments consist of large mature tanks filled with sand and featuring plenty of hiding places composed of smooth rocks/cobbles, shells, driftwood tangles and hardy plants. Furthermore, water must have low alkalinity levels with moderate filtration rates for optimal conditions.
Bumblebee gobies are territorial fish that require minimal tank mates for survival; as such, breeding them in captivity is no simple matter.
Suckermouth Catfish
The Suckermouth Catfish (Hypostomas plecostomus) is an iconic aquarium species. These popular “plecos” make them great additions for home aquariums due to their unique characteristics that make them standout options.
These fish are commonly known as “janitor fish” due to their ability to clean out algae build-up from fish tanks and are generally omnivorous. For optimal performance, feed these janitor fish a variety of herbivorous/omnivorous pellets as well as fresh vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, peas or blanched spinach as snacks.
These fish belong to the Loricariidae family of armored catfishes and possess hard, bony plates on their bodies which look spiky for protection. Captive specimens can become quite large over time; tanks of at least 50 gallons should be provided.
Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters are an entertaining, social addition to an aquarium. These fish tend to get along well with other bottom dwellers such as Corydoras; however, aggressive fish such as Cichlids or Red-Tailed Sharks should be avoided for optimal care.
In Southeast Asia’s river and stream habitats, this species lives in waters with slightly acidic waters and low current. Hiding under shelters on river beds while searching for food at the bottom is their daily routine.
Twig Catfish
Twig catfish (Farlowella vittata) are small freshwater fish that take camouflage seriously. Their long, slender bodies easily pass for branches in their natural environment in Orinoco river basin. With suction cup-like mouths they cling onto logs, roots and sticks while remaining still so as to blend into their surroundings seamlessly.
Peaceful fish species like Angelfish thrive best when housed in their own species-only tank where they will not be harassed by larger, more aggressive ones, nor outcompeted for sustenance. Provide them with a sandy substrate that won’t cut their gills while exploring, plus driftwood, roots and rocks to make sure the tank bottom remains covered with activity.
Panda Cory
Corydoras panda (Panda Cory) aquarium fishes make great additions to any tank’s bottom, adding movement and vibrancy with their active schooling behavior and schooling style. Best suited for large setups with soft water.
Panda Corys may initially seem shy, but as more fish join in on the fun they become less timid and shyer – thus providing more lively entertainment for you to watch! When kept together in groups of six or more they become active and entertaining to watch.
Floating plants and decorations provide hiding spaces and shade. Panda Corys are omnivorous fish that require a diet that includes live and frozen worms, brine shrimp, bloodworms, algae, infusoria and food tablets formulated specifically for corys.
Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loaches are bottom-dwellers, living at the bottom of riverbeds to find food. Aquarium owners should provide them with substrate such as sand or gravel with smooth surfaces instead of jagged decorations to prevent injuries to their fish and keepers. Unfortunately, Kuhli Loaches lack scales, leaving them more susceptible to diseases in their aquarium environment or among tank mates.
An aquarium of at least 10-gallons should be suitable for this species of fish; however, for optimal conditions 20 gallons is better suited. They love exploring their environment so a tank full of plants, rocks, logs and hiding places would make an ideal home.
