After digestion, fish exert waste that accumulates over time in the substrate. But, it automatically wipes out, making newbies amazed.
Being in the fish-keeping community for over a decade, I have heard many of the new and old fish keepers saying that there exist fish that eat poop, and some say they eat poop only.
Yes, it is true. I have experienced it myself.
There are some fish that eat poop, considering poop as a food waste. However, no fish eats poop only, as many advocates. Along with this news, there are many other misconceptions and triggers that need to be addressed.
Therefore, we have, after a long research and expert interviews, featured the top ten poop-eater fish. I hope this blog will answer all the questions and will clear your mind from deceptions.
So, let us cut to the chase.
Plecos
All Plecos species eat poop. They are known as plecostomus or sucker-mouth catfish. The subterminal mouth is the main asset of their ability to eat poop and algae.
They have a flat, armored body and a distinct sucker-like mouth, which they use to attach to surfaces and feed. Their upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw, creating a mouth with sucking ability.
Their ability to eat fish waste, leftover food, and algae makes them effective cleaners for the aquarium floor.
They live in reefs that have rocks, plants, and hidden stops. Their favorite temperature is 72-86°F (22-30°C). They are slightly acidic to neutral water.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Plecos | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Warm water, hiding spots | pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 72-78°F |
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish is also a great poop eater fish. They also have a subterminal mouth that gives them sucking ability.
They live at the bottom of the water tank, where they eat algae, poop, and food waste. They sift through the substrate to eat leftover food and organic waste.
Corydoras catfish are small and peaceful. They have an endearing look with barbels and armored plates. They are active scavengers, making them social creatures.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Corydoras catfish | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Substrate, hiding spots | pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 72-78°F |
Goldfish
Goldfish is the top one when it comes to eating poop. They are not only beautiful but also efficient cleaners.
When food is not available, goldfish go in search of poop and waste / They are omnivores and will eat poop, algae, plant matter, and uneaten food.
They themselves produce a lot of waste. But they also help keep the tank clean by eating everything available in the reef.
Goldfish require ample space and good filtration due to their waste production. They thrive in cool water temperatures ranging from 65-72°F (18-22°C).
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Goldfish | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Spacious, well-oxygenated | pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 65-75°F |
Mollies
Mollies are lively fish that come in various colors and patterns. They are omnivores and eat poop, algae, detritus, and small food particles.
As the poop is exerted, they eat it. They are known for their search for fresh poop.
Mollies are also livebearers. They give birth to free-swimming young, not eggs.
Mollies prefer slightly brackish water conditions and temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C).
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Mollies | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Plants, hiding spots | pH 7.5-8.5, temperature 72-78°F |
Cichlids
Cichlids are voracious fish. When hungry, they eat everything, including poop. In old traditions, cichlids are fed with poultry waste.
Moreover, they are known for their smartness and territorial behavior. Some species, like the convict cichlid, are expert at scavenging and cleaning up debris.
Cichlids also control algae growth in the aquarium.
Cichlids have varying water parameter preferences. They can be picky about water quality.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Cichlids | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Rocks, hiding spots | pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 75-85°F |
Rabbitfish
Rabbitfish are herbivorous marine fish. They are also known as Foxface fish. They are recognized for their rabbit-like snouts.
Their distinct marking is because of their poop eating behaviors. They even eat human poop. They also eat algae and food waste. It makes them great cleaners for saltwater tanks.
Rabbitfish are peaceful but can be territorial. They prefer water temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C) and stable water parameters.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Rabbitfish | Marine | No | Yes | Marine | Rocks, hiding spots | pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F |
Scat
Even scats are mediocre poop eating fish, but their name is given because of their poop eating habits.
Scats are omnivorous and consume algae, plant matter, and small invertebrates. Scats are hardy and adaptable. Scats are often called scatophagus fish. They live in freshwater or brackish. They have a unique look with disc-shaped bodies.
Scats thrive in extensive freshwater or brackish tanks. Moreover, their temperature preference is 75-82°F (24-28°C). It should be slightly alkaline to neutral.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Scat | Marine | No | Yes | Marine | Rocks, hiding spots | pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F |
Parrotfish
Parrotfish are colorful marine fish named for their distinctive beak-like mouths. They primarily feed on algae and coral polyps, which they crush with their powerful jaws. Parrotfish are crucial to coral reefs. They stop algae from overgrowing.
But, when algae are not present, or algae are incapable of fulfilling their nutrients, parrotfish eat poop to gain more energy.
They require large marine aquariums with live rock and hiding spots. They prefer water temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C).
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Parrotfish | Marine | No | Yes | Marine | Rocks, hiding spots | pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F |
Surgeonfish
Surgeonfish, also known as tangs, are popular marine fish. They are recognizable by their vibrant colors and scalpel-like spines near their tails.
Like parrotfish, they eat algae and seaweed. As we know, algae are not nutritionally rich, so surgeonfish eat poop to meet their needs and gain vitamins.
Due to their cleaning quality, they are valuable in reef tanks.
Surgeonfish thrive in big marine tanks and prefer water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C) and stable water conditions.
| Name | Live in Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Surgeonfish | Marine | No | Yes | Marine | Rocks, hiding spots | pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F |
Angelfish
Angelfish are graceful fish. They are known for their unique qualities, such as eating poop and algae.
They live in freshwater or saltwater. They are known for their elegant look and unique bodies. Some species are mainly carnivorous. Others, like the freshwater angelfish, eat algae and detritus.
Angelfish require well-maintained aquariums with appropriate tank mates. Freshwater angelfish like 75-82°F (24-28°C).
| Name | Freshwater or marine | Do they eat poop? | Do they eat algae? | Live in tanks or marine? | Tank conditions | Water conditions |
| Angelfish | Freshwater | Yes | Yes | Tanks | Plants, hiding spots | pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 75-80°F |
Misconceptions About Fish Coprophagia
The species we have described earlier are known for eating poop. But is poop their main food preference?
Some believe poop-eating fish exist, but it is not true. Poop eater fish only use waste to meet their nutritional and diet needs.
#1: Poop-Eating Fish Only Eats Poop
This assumption is totally wrong. The fish eat poop only because they mistake waste for food.
You may have examined now that many of the poop-eater fish spit out our ingested waste.
There is something to worry about.
If fish eat so much waste, they might get disease or illness because poop contains undigested food waste having bacteria and viruses. Consuming these organisms can make fish feel uneasy.
And one thing to keep in mind is that fish that eat poop need regular and specific nutrition. They must be fed with natural, commercial feeds or organic supplements to provide them with vitamins and energy.
#2: Poop-Eating Fish Is Option to Filter and Manual Cleaning
Many of the new aquarists believe poop-eating fish keep tanks clean. And they do not have to do it manually. However, this is a total misconception.
It might work in small tanks with few fish. But these poop-cleaning fish also produce waste. Their cleaning ability is limited to their waste only.
In larger tanks with other fish, cleanliness could be an issue and you have to clean it by yourself to maintain the cleanliness of your tank.
Factors That Trigger Fish Coprophagy
Have you ever thought about why fish eat poop? Here are a few of the factors that trigger them to show coprophagy.
Trigger #1: Hunger
Fish eat poop when hungry and lack other food. It is the first reason these fish eat poop. They do this out of desperation, not preference.
To experience this, delay feeding your fish. Watch as they search for food in the tank’s bottom.
However, it keeps them from going hungry for long as it can make them eat more poop.
Trigger #2: Poop Buildup
The other catalyst for your fish to eat poop is poop buildup. Having just one piece of poop in the substrate can make fish eat it. So, it’s crucial to prevent poop buildup. Use a filtration system and clean the gravel often.
Repercussions If You Don’t Clean Poop By Yourself
If you are not cleaning your tank manually and have left cleaning to your poop-cleaner fish only, it might have repercussions.
Repercussion#1: Persistent Accumulation of Waste
Fish that eat poop have limits on how much they can eat. When they reach this limit, the excess waste builds up in the tank.
Eventually, water quality will decrease, making your poop-eater fish suffocated and ill. Moreover, the tank’s filter may get clogged. It leads to a big drop in water quality.
Repercussion#2: Algae Overgrowth
Some of these poop-eating fish also eat algae. But, when they have sufficient poop to consume, they might not eat algae. You will experience algae overgrowth, decreasing the quality of your water.
This phenomenon worsens water quality and encourages algae growth. Algae love dirty water. And fecal matter increases their growth chances.
Repercussion#3: Proliferation of Bacteria
Decomposing poop creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Rotten poop is a perfect inhabitant for dangerous bacteria.
Excessive presence of bacteria can lead to fish illnesses. Fish might be eating bacteria directly or through water. It causes infections in their fins and bodies.
Tips To Avoid Fish Poop Buildup
Poop is the main ingredient of fish that eat it. But the more the poop, the lower the tank quality will be.
However, reducing its amount is necessary to make it appealing to tank pets.
To accomplish this, here are some tips:
Tip #1: Avoid Overfeeding
Feeding your fish too much makes them produce more waste. So, only give them the right amount of good food.
Feed them as prescribed by the aquarists. Or follow a schedule two times a day. This way, overfeeding is avoided, and waste is reduced.
Tip 2#: Limit Fish Population
Putting too many fish in your tank makes them produce too much waste. Increase the tank size or decrease overcrowding in your reef.
Follow the recommended stocking levels. It keeps your fish healthy and reduces waste. Also, remember, fewer fish often means better health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Now, your mind is clear as crystal. You know about all the fish that eat poop and why they eat poop. Therefore, keep your tank clean and tidy manually.
However, you can rely on these poop-cleaner fish to clean your tank somehow, but it is your task to ensure the required cleanliness so no disease spreads in your tank, infecting your aquatic pets.
If you have anything to add or ask, please leave a comment below.
As you have liked this blog, I hope you are also searching for fish that clean the tank. Let us proceed there.