Some of the best saltwater fish that keep the tank clean are blennies, gobies, tangs, wrasses, and hermit crabs. These fish and invertebrates are known as cleaners, scavengers, or algae eaters, and they help to maintain the water quality and appearance of your aquarium by consuming excess food, waste, and algae. In this article, we will explore the benefits, characteristics, and care requirements of these saltwater fish that keep the tank clean.
Blennies are small, bottom-dwelling fish that have elongated bodies, large eyes, and whisker-like appendages on their heads. They are usually peaceful and can coexist with most other fish, except for their own kind or similar-looking species. Blennies are excellent cleaners because they feed on algae, detritus, and leftover food that accumulates on the substrate, rocks, and glass. Some of the most popular blennies for saltwater aquariums are the lawnmower blenny, the bicolor blenny, the starry blenny, and the tailspot blenny.
Blennies are easy to care for, as they do not have specific water parameters or lighting requirements. However, they do need a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They also need a varied diet of algae-based foods, such as flakes, pellets, or nori, supplemented with meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or bloodworms. Blennies can grow up to 6 inches in length, depending on the species, and they require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.
Gobies
Gobies are another group of small, bottom-dwelling fish that have slender bodies, large mouths, and fused pelvic fins that form a suction cup. They are usually peaceful and can coexist with most other fish, except for their own kind or similar-looking species. Gobies are excellent cleaners because they feed on algae, detritus, and leftover food that accumulates on the substrate, rocks, and glass. Some of the most popular gobies for saltwater aquariums are the neon goby, the yellow watchman goby, the green clown goby, and the firefish goby.
Gobies are easy to care for, as they do not have specific water parameters or lighting requirements. However, they do need a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They also need a varied diet of algae-based foods, such as flakes, pellets, or nori, supplemented with meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or bloodworms. Gobies can grow up to 4 inches in length, depending on the species, and they require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons.
Tangs
Tangs are large, colorful, and active fish that have oval-shaped bodies, pointed snouts, and sharp spines on their tails. They are usually peaceful and can coexist with most other fish, except for their own kind or similar-looking species. Tangs are excellent cleaners because they feed on algae, detritus, and leftover food that grows on the live rock and glass. Some of the most popular tangs for saltwater aquariums are the yellow tang, the blue tang, the purple tang, and the sailfin tang.
Tangs are moderately difficult to care for, as they have specific water parameters and lighting requirements. They need a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and swimming space. They also need a varied diet of algae-based foods, such as flakes, pellets, or nori, supplemented with meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or bloodworms. Tangs can grow up to 12 inches in length, depending on the species, and they require a minimum tank size of 75 gallons.
Wrasses
Wrasses are medium-sized, colorful, and active fish that have elongated bodies, pointed snouts, and prominent scales. They are usually peaceful and can coexist with most other fish, except for their own kind or similar-looking species. Wrasses are excellent cleaners because they feed on parasites, worms, and crustaceans that infest other fish and invertebrates. Some of the most popular wrasses for saltwater aquariums are the cleaner wrasse, the six-line wrasse, the fairy wrasse, and the leopard wrasse.
Wrasses are moderately difficult to care for, as they have specific water parameters and lighting requirements. They need a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They also need a varied diet of meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, or krill. Wrasses can grow up to 8 inches in length, depending on the species, and they require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons.
Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are small, shelled invertebrates that have soft, segmented bodies, long antennae, and pincers. They are usually peaceful and can coexist with most other fish and invertebrates, except for snails, which they may prey on. Hermit crabs are excellent cleaners because they feed on algae, detritus, and leftover food that accumulates on the substrate, rocks, and glass. Some of the most popular hermit crabs for saltwater aquariums are the blue-legged hermit crab, the red-legged hermit crab, the scarlet reef hermit crab, and the Halloween hermit crab.
Hermit crabs are easy to care for, as they do not have specific water parameters or lighting requirements. However, they do need a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They also need a varied diet of algae-based foods, such as flakes, pellets, or nori, supplemented with meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or bloodworms. Hermit crabs can grow up to 2 inches in length, depending on the species, and they require a minimum tank size of 10 gallons.
Conclusion
Keeping your saltwater tank clean is not only beneficial for the health and appearance of your aquarium, but also for the enjoyment and satisfaction of your hobby. By choosing some of the best saltwater fish that keep the tank clean, such as blennies, gobies, tangs, wrasses, and hermit crabs, you can reduce the need for frequent water changes, scraping, and siphoning, and spend more time admiring your beautiful and diverse marine ecosystem.
