'algae-eating' originates from the combination of 'algae,' which comes from Latin 'alga,' meaning 'seaweed,' and 'eating,' derived from Old English 'etan,' meaning 'to consume.'

'alga' transformed into the English word 'algae,' and 'etan' evolved into 'eating,' forming the modern term 'algae-eating.'

Initially, 'alga' referred to seaweed, but it now encompasses a broader range of aquatic plants. 'Eating' has retained its original meaning of consuming.