Bottom dwellers are one of the most fascinating fish categories. As their name suggests, they typically live on river or ocean beds. Some of them burrow in sand and dirt or skim through undergrowth below the surface. Aquarium owners also love them because they can help to keep fish tanks clean. Typically, they scavenge leftover food fragments in hard-to-reach areas.
Bear in mind that bottom dwellers can’t keep tanks clean alone. But they make it a more balanced environment and can naturally reduce algae.
1. Bumblebee Otocinclus Suit Small Tanks
Bumblebee otos are fascinating small fish. These tiny bottom dwellers have a unique appearance. Their faces are very reminiscent of rhinoceroses. Adults are only about an inch long, so they are suitable for five-gallon tanks. However, it’s crucial to keep their tanks free from potential predators. Furthermore, you should get at least three because they’re social animals.
These fish are tricky for beginners because you must slowly acclimate them to their environment. Bumblebee otos are a subspecies of otocinclus fish and hail from the Amazon. They require precise water conditions to stay healthy. The good news is that they are herbivores and primarily eat algae. This makes them perfect for home aquariums because algae is every fish owner’s worst nightmare—and most people want to keep their tanks algae-free. They are a very peaceful species and will co-exist with some tetras, guppies, and shrimp.
2. Mustard Spot Catfish Enjoy Long Lives
Most catfish are bottom dwellers, but some varieties grow to large sizes. That’s why the mustard spot catfish may be a great option. They typically grow to about four inches in the wild but can be larger in captivity. Home aquarium owners love them because they’ll eat almost anything that falls to the tank’s bottom. This is great for a clean and healthy tank. Unlike some catfish, they also cut a striking appearance. They have thick white stripes on their body and a large dorsal fin.
Mustard catfish enjoy relatively long lives. They may survive for up to 10 years in captivity. Hailing from Cameroon, these relatively small fish also eat standard fish pellets. They’re a hardy species so they’re a good option for new owners. Mustard catfish are also less aggressive than other varieties. They will defend themselves if necessary, but they should peacefully coexist with other fish.
3. Peacock Eels Love Burrowing
Here’s another amazing species. Peacock eels are a curious Southeast Asian creature that will enhance your home aquarium. Technically, they’re not true eels although they share a similar elongated appearance. However, unlike genuine eels, they have dorsal fins and sharp spines. They also have an eye-catching pointed snout for a quirky aesthetic. These fish have a reputation for being tricky to care for. The reality is that it’s easier than many people expect.
First, space can be an issue for some owners. Adult peacock eels are about 12 inches in length and need a 40-gallon tank. They also require a sandy substrate because they love burrowing. It’s crucial to seal this tank properly because they’re escape artists and will jump out of the water. Keep the temperature below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are bottom dwellers and will eat debris on the bottom of the tank. But they can also be picky eaters so feeding may take some experimentation. Peacock eels typically coexist amicably with other fish.
4. Common Plecostomus Are Hardy Fish
The common pleco is a variety of catfish with sucker-shaped mouths. They’re like vacuums for the bottom of your tank. There are several subspecies, but they all have strong bodies and similar mouths. The common pleco grows up to 12 inches in length. This means they suit larger aquariums of at least 75 gallons. There are smaller varieties available. Remember to replicate their natural environment by adding hiding places and a good substrate. They’re secretive and nocturnal, so they may hide frequently during the day.
Plecos typically don’t eat smaller fish, so they’re excellent tankmates. However, some plecos may be territorial toward their species. It’s easy to feed them because they have a reputation for being scavengers. Some varieties love algae or even wood. Remember they need temperatures of 74 to 80°F with a pH of 6.5 to 7.8. Plecos are significant commitments because they live for up to 15 years.
5. Loaches Are Calm and Peaceful
Another very popular freshwater bottom-dweller, loaches hail from Asia. This peaceful species is great for community tanks because of its calm personality. Many loaches love algae, which is excellent news for home aquarium owners. They usually live for about 10 years, but some survive for longer in captivity. You’ll need a 40-gallon tank for most loaches because they can grow to 12 inches in length.
Many people mistake some loaches for eels. The yoyo loach’s appearance is more like a standard fish. However, kuhli and skunk loaches have more elongated physiques. They are all excellent additions to your home aquarium. You could even mix different varieties. Loaches are also very hardy so they’re suitable for new fish owners.
6. Corydoras Are Popular Catfish Species
Corydoras are one of the most popular aquarium catfish. They have a laid-back nature and an appealing appearance. Meanwhile, their personalities also make them very popular. They’re one of the most dependable bottom dwellers with a reputation for being great tank cleaners. This is because they’re excellent at finding uneaten food in hard-to-reach corners. Note: owners should keep several corys because they won’t be happy alone. In the wild, they live in large schools, and they’re social creatures.
These fish have a lifespan of about five to ten years. Some owners keep them in 10-gallon tanks, but we recommend 20 gallons. They’re excellent community fish but be careful not to put them with larger, more aggressive species. Corydoras are also very hardy when they’re in a tank. However, they are susceptible to stress when moving so be careful. Unlike some other bottom dwellers, they’re very active, so it’s fun to own them.
