Top 5 Bottom Dwellers
If you are in the market and looking to add a few bottom-dwelling cleaners to your tank, this list is for you! Our list of the Top 5 Bottom Dwellers gives you a list of our top choices for the best fish that you can add to your tank to keep it functional and attractive.
5. Geophagus
Our number 5 top pick is the Geophagus. Geophagus translates to sand-sifter or eartheater. These fish will dive to the bottom of your aquarium, grab some sand and then sift through it. This will continue for the rest of the day. This is a larger fish based on the species and they can range anywhere from 6-10 inches. They come in several varieties and each variety has their own attitude. Some of these fish are more aggressive while others are peaceful. You might notice you are using a gravel vac less because these fish will do all the dirty work for you. You should be aware that fish can dig up your plants. For protection, you can place large rocks around the tank’s base. Otherwise, these little worker bees will consistently keep your tank clean.
4. Synodontis Lucipinnis
Flickr/vergesus
Our number 4 pick is a specific fish called the Synodontis Lucipinnis. These fish are about 3 inches long and tend to swim like sharks. They are very unique and prefer to hide. The Synodontis Lucipinnis is part of the catfish family, which means they are also nocturnal. These fish are great cleaners and will happily clean the bottom of your tank. These fish will swim approximately halfway up your tank’s top if they are small. Their unique look sometimes pushes people to keep them as a single centerpiece fish but it is best to keep them in groups of 3 or more. They lay on the pricier side at around $18 per fish, so be sure that you are willing to invest in their care.
3. Loaches
Our third favorite is the Loach Family. There are many types of Loaches, which are scavengers. There are many species that you can choose from so it should not be difficult to find one that will fit into your tank. These are the top-rated bottom dwellers.
Clown Loach
The Clown Loach is quite active in big groups. Their energy will be most noticeable if they are kept in groups of at least 10 individuals. They are, however, a large fish with most coming in at about 12-14 inches as adults. They scrape the substrate and search for food. These require large tanks.
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach is significantly smaller loach that comes in at about 3 1/2 inches. The Kuhli Loach has a long, striped body similar to an eel. They are scavengers and nocturnal, so to catch a glimpse of these fish, you’ll have to take a peek at night time when they emerge. In most stores, the Kuhli Loach sell for about $3 per fish and they like to eat black worms but will mostly scavenge. These loaches are extremely plant friendly and won’t eat snails. They like to do their own thing and you can be sure that adding these fish to your aquarium will bring a unique look, without sacrificing the lives of your snail buddies.
Dwarf Chain Loach
This fish is our favourite for planted tanks. These fish will go up to about mid-water and are as active as clown loaches. It is best to keep them in schools. At $12 per fish, they are on the pricier end, but they are extremely personable and enjoyable to watch. If you have a snail problem, these fish will happily take care of that for you.
Zebra Loach
The Zebra Loach is another great option if you want to add some fish to your tank. These fish are best in groups of 3 or more and grow to be about 4 inches. Like others listed, these fish are plant safe.
2. Shrimp
Our number 2 top pick is shrimp. Because shrimp can’t live without everything, they are number 2. Shrimp can and will be eaten by most larger fish. They come in many colors, and they are great cleaners. They are small enough to reach all corners and crevices. They like to reproduce, so you should expect more to appear in your tank with time. Shrimp can be an excellent bottom dweller and scavenger, provided they are kept in a tank that has compatible mates.
1. Corydoras
Corydoras rank high on our list. There are many Corydoras you can add to your aquarium. Most of them are small but it is good because it is best if they live in groups of 6 or more. There are many varieties that can grow to about 2-3 inches in length, including the Corydoras labrosus, Salt and Pepper Corydoras and Bronze Corydoras. A dwarf Corydora might be the best choice for you if you’re looking to add a lot of schooling fish to your tank. The Corydora axelrodi is a smaller fish and can easily be added in large numbers. Some Corydoras can be more expensive than others. The Green Laser Corydora usually sells for about $17 per fish.
There are hundreds of species that you can choose from and these little armored catfish usually can’t be beat by others. They love to live in their small schools and search the bottom of the tank for food. They are friendly and very personable.
Bonus: Dwarf Anchor Catfish
One bonus fish to add to the list is the Dwarf Anchor Catfish. They are a small type of catfish that grow to be about 1 3/4 inch. However, Dwarf Anchor Catfish are rare and uncommon, so finding them in store may be a challenge.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding on which bottom dweller will best suit your tank it is important to balance finding a fish that will suit what you already have but also one you will enjoy personally. You should buy a fish that you want to keep and not a fish that is only used for cleaning. Buying a fish only to be used to clean is similar to adopting a dog just so it can eat food spilled on the floor. You should be motivated, interested, and invested in any fish you add to your tank. Not only do they need to be functional, but also clean and attractive for personal enjoyment. So, remember to choose what you are attracted to and one you will love!