Nais elinguis was offered equal densities of three algal species under controlled conditions. Colonies of Scenedesmus quadricauda were ingested at significantly lower rates than cell of Nitzschia kutzingiana and Chlorella vulgaris. Labelled cells of N. kutzingiana were more rapidly and more efficiently assimilated than those of the other algae. Cells of S. quadricauda were viable in the faeces.This work confirmed conclusions from other studies with respect to the role of algae in the nutrition of Nais elinguis and other freshwater benthic herbivores.