Keep in mind that some Corydoras are more expensive than others. The Corydora axelrodi is a smaller fish and can easily be added in large numbers. If you are wanting to add a large school to your tank, a dwarf Corydora may suit you best. Varieties that range in the size of about 2-3 inches include the Corydoras Labrosus, Salt and Pepper Corydoras, Albino Corydoras, Bronze Corydoras, Sterbai Corydoras, Julii Corydoras (which are unique with a reticulation pattern), and Panda Corydoras. 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 of Corydoras that you can add to your tank. CorydorasĪt the top of our list are Corydoras.

Shrimp are one of the greatest bottom dwellers and scavengers that you can add to your tank, if, they are in a tank with compatible mates. They like to reproduce, so you should expect more to appear in your tank with time. They come in a variety of colors and are excellent cleaners that will comb through everything including algae! Their small size allows them to clean through all the nooks and crannies. Shrimp can and will be eaten by most larger fish. Shrimp come in at number 2 because their only downfall is that they can’t live with everything. Like others listed, these fish are plant safe. These fish are best in groups of 3 or more and grow to be about 4 inches. Lastly, the Zebra Loach is a great choice if you are wanting to add a little trio or more to your tank. If you have a snail problem, these fish will happily take care of that for you. At $12 per fish, they are on the pricier end, but they are extremely personable and enjoyable to watch. Likewise, it’s best to keep them in a school. These fish will go up to about mid-water and are as active as clown loaches. 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. These loaches are extremely plant friendly and won't eat snails. In most stores, the Kuhli Loach sell for about $3 per fish and they like to eat black worms but will mostly scavenge. 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. They have a striped body that is long and slender like an eel. The Kuhli Loach is significantly smaller loach that comes in at about 3 ½ inches. They clean off the bottom and go through the substrate to look for food.

They are, however, a large fish with most coming in at about 12-14 inches as adults. You will really notice their energy if you keep them in a group of 10 or more. The Clown Loach is quite active in big groups. Here are some of the different types of loaches that are our favorite bottom dwellers. With many different species to choose from, you should be able to find one that can be easily integrated into your tank. Loaches are scavengers that come in many different varieties. Our number 3 top pick is the Loach Family. They lay on the pricier side at around $18 per fish, so be sure that you are willing to invest in their care. 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. When they are smaller sized they will swim about mid-way up and to the top of your tank. These fish are great cleaners and will happily clean the bottom of your tank. The Synodontis Lucipinnis is part of the catfish family, which means they are also nocturnal. They are unique looking and like to hide. These fish are about 3 inches long and tend to swim like sharks. Our number 4 pick is a specific fish called the Synodontis Lucipinnis. Otherwise, these little worker bees will consistently keep your tank clean. To protect your plants, it is best to place some big rocks around the base for protection. One thing to be cautious with is that they can dig up your plants. 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. They come in several varieties and each variety has their own attitude.

This is a larger fish based on the species and they can range anywhere from 6-10 inches. This process will be repeated all day long. These fish will go to the bottom of your tank, grab mouthfuls of sand, sift through it, and then spit it out. Geophagus translates to sand-sifter or eartheater. 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.

Bottom feeder fish name