4 creatures that keep your aquarium clean

If you own an aquarium, regular tank cleaning is a must. Here are four types of aquatic creatures that can help you get the job done.

1. Shrimp
Most shrimp, including the ghost and the red cherry, are excellent scavengers. They feed primarily on algae but also enjoy munching on organic debris and fish food scraps that litter the aquarium floor and cling to decorative fixtures.

2. Starfish
Starfish is a great addition to an aquarium cleaning crew because they eat practically anything. These marine invertebrates also sift through sand and keep glass walls spotless.

3. Snails
Snails are an ideal addition to a freshwater tank. As well as aerating sand, most snails eat algae, organic debris, leftover food, and even small dead fish. Just make sure to keep an eye on their proliferation.

4. Cleaning fish
Many species feed on algae and organic debris as well as the dead skin and parasites of other fish. Corydoras catfish are easy to care for, botia help regulate an aquarium’s snail population, and bristlenose catfish are particularly efficient algae-eaters.

Before you assemble your cleaning crew, make sure the species you want to adopt can live harmoniously in their new home.