American Flag Fish algae preferences

[Sgooosh]

Hi! I want to get some american flag fish for my outside ponds, but wondering if they will eat slimy green algae? If not, which types do they prefer?
I left some growing in there to give them a natural food source, but it is easily removed.

 

[GaryE]

Most slimy green algae is algae in name only - it's usually bacteria here. Nothing eats Cyanobacteria in my experience.

 

[Magnum Man]

I think they typically eat most algae's, with a preference to hair types

and I'd be curious if there is a symbiotic relationship in the "green slime" between an algae and a bacteria, and I'd expect something has evolved to eat the stuff...

 

[MaloK]

Nothing eats it because some produce irritating substances to protect it and deter grazing. Some other literally produce poisonous toxins.

Not very inviting.

 

[Archerfish]

They devour (attack) hair algae. I never recommend any fish, snails or whatever for the sole purpose of controlling algae. Better to use other methods for that. They will suffer in the winter unless you live in a warm climate.