What Eats Pond Algae?

There are more than 17,000 different types of algae, but there is a variety of live things, both plant and animal, that will eat pond algae. Controlling algae in this natural way will help keep a pond in ecological balance.

Barley Straw

Barley straw releases a natural chemical that eats algae. It will not eat all the existing algae, which is good, because you need some algae. Barley straw will go after new growing algae, keeping the algae balance the way you want it.

Pond Snails

Pond snails can survive in warm- and cold-water ponds. They are a natural part of the pond. They eat the algae, but the fish eat the snails, keeping their number low..

Ghost Shrimp

Ghost shrimp survive well in ponds as long as the water is not excessively chilly. Ghost shrimp do not eat all plants, just the algae, and they will eat just enough to keep things in balance. Ghost shrimp can be bought in most aquarium supply stores.

Tadpoles

Tadpoles love to eat algae. Be sure to get a species that is native to your area. Tadpoles are available at aquarium stores.

Fish

Grass carp is one type of fish that will eat algae. So will any sort of baby fish that live in the pond. Make sure that if you have more than one variety of fish that they are comparable.

Resources

• Alge Control Information