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 imitations, but the fish that count know nothing is better and it's their opinion that's important to Hikari!