Algae Wafers were specifically developed for the hard to feed plecostomus and other algae eating bottom feeders. Hikari was the originator of this diet, now copied by many. Accept no substitutes, request the first and finest, Algae Wafers. In 1991 when we launched Hikari Tropical Algae Wafers, no other food existed to help keep plecostomus healthy. There were many reports of Plecostomus getting thinner with each passing day. To address this problem, Hikari began researching raw materials and production techniques to develop potential diets. After considerable experimentation, we developed the best ingredient formulation possible. Next we had to develop a pellet the fish would eat, one that wouldn't dissolve in water and allowed the nutrition to be accessed readily. The revolutionary disk shape was chosen because it complimented the way plecostomus eat. Of course over the years our Hikari Tropical Algae Wafers have saved many plecos and become a sales leader worldwide. Today, there are many copies, but the fish that count know nothing is better and its their opinion that's important to Hikari.