What plecos really do eat algae?

OK, this is the eternal question, but am putting it on the table again. I read on planetcatfish somewhere that the only two plecos that are good algae eaters (stay good algae eaters as adults too) are bristlenoses and commons.

Now am hearing references here and there of all sorts of other plecos of the fancier varieties who also eat algae. e.g. clown, rubberlip, etc.

So if you have such a fancy, algae-eating pleco, please let me know, am really interested.

 

The bristlenose plecos we have slack off on algae consumption the older they get. They are seen munching algae daily, but not much and not for long periods.

Just that personal experience tidbit.

 

Yeah, I'd heard that too, actually. That's a good point. And I've heard the same about commons. So we're down to zero plecos as reliable algae eaters? No fancies that do a good job?

 

Oh, I've found an old link I had. This lists the algae eaters and classifies their algae-eating skills.

 

Algy still eats algae but he isn't fully grown. However even at this age I wouldn't count on him keeping a big tank clean.

 

And Algy's a common, right?

 

I know my rubbernose pleco did a great job of algae eating.
Tom

 

And Algy's a common, right?

Ya you are right.

 

What species is your rubbernose? I think there's several types of rubbernoses (blonde, spotted, striped, white-spot, rubbernose and big-white spot according to planet catfish).

I know my rubbernose pleco did a great job of algae eating.
Tom