They eat almost anything. Although, I have not seen mine ever eat algae. They are also very easy to keep, and in fact, they often breed in captivity.
sam
we bought 1 for out tangs 3 weeks ago...they & rest of tank inhabitants have been very happy since; it has since molted 2 times, so must be doing well; as w/ most inverts, should have enough bio organic iodine suplemented preferably for it to grow better; they breed sometimes, but spawn have yet to remain alive
Cleaner Shrimp eat everything parasites and little bugs in your tank.. most of the time the set up a "cleaning station" for your fish to swim through for a good scrubbing. They are Neat to watch and are very hardy animals.
they are simple to keep just dose with iodide so they can molt or do regular water changes. i have a pair that have been in one of my tank for about 2 and half or three year. they will eat just about anything