WHAT IS THE BEST FISH TO EAT THE GREEN ALGAE IN THE REFLECTION POOL
Short answer:
The best fish for eating green algae in a reflection pool are grass carp, plecostomus, and Siamese algae eaters. Barramundi is not one of them — it’s a carnivore and won’t clean algae. biologyinsights.com pondsguide.com
🐟 Fish that actually eat green algae
These species are proven algae‑eaters in ponds and ornamental water features:
- Triploid Grass Carp — One of the most effective plant and algae consumers; eats large amounts of submerged vegetation and macro‑algae. biologyinsights.com
- Plecostomus (Pleco) — Scrapes green algae and diatoms off walls, rocks, and surfaces; grows large (45–60 cm). Recif'Art
- Siamese Algae Eater — Excellent for hair algae and string algae; good for smaller ponds. pondsguide.com
These fish are used specifically because they actively graze algae as their primary or major food source.
🐟 Is Barramundi an algae eater?
No. Barramundi are carnivores.
Their natural diet is fish, prawns, crabs, insects, and anything meaty that fits in their mouth. They are opportunistic predators, not herbivores. biologyinsights.com
While juveniles may nibble filamentous algae when very young, they quickly switch to a fully carnivorous diet and will not control algae in a pond. Better For Fish
🏛️ For a reflection pool (like a decorative or shallow architectural pool)
Before adding fish, consider:
- Depth & temperature stability — Plecos and carp need adequate depth and oxygen.
- Aesthetics — Grass carp are large and active; plecos hide; Siamese algae eaters are small and peaceful.
- Regulations — In NSW, grass carp require permits because they are controlled species.
If you want a low‑impact, visually unobtrusive algae‑eater, the Siamese algae eater or a small pleco is usually the best fit.