Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish are ideal algae-eating catfish for planted tanks – will not damage fine leaved plants. Best kept with other smaller sized fishes. Difficult to breed, all aquarium stock is imported from South America.Otocinclus Catfish like heavilyplanted tankswith a good amount of establishedalgae growth.

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Features ofOtocinclus Catfish:

• Muted green/brown/grey coloration with a darker horizontal stripe down their flanks
• Small fish with narrow bodies, short fins, and powerful suckermouths
• Shoaling species best kept in groups of 3 or more
• Plant friendly – Ideal for planted aquariums
• Grows to 5cm

The Best Aquarium Size for Otocinclus Catfish:

A small group of Otocinclus Catfish do best with a minimum tank size of 50L. However, if you want toset up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.

Some suitable aquariumsto consider:

• Yiding Tanks
• Aqua One Tanks
• Fluval Aquariums
• Oceason Aquariums

After an Aquarium for yourfish? BrowseAquarium Tank Selection here.

Tank Mate Compatibility:

Ideal tank mates for otocinclus catfish are similarly-sized, peaceful fish, including:

• Cherry Barbs
• Danios
• Small Tetras
• Mollies
• Guppies
• Harlequin Rasboras

Diet:

Otocinclus Catfish are omnivores and enjoy feeding on aquarium algae. Quality flake, pellets, and algae wafers are readily acceptedand is great tofeed them every day. This food will ensure that theyre getting their essential nutrients.Live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, Brine shrimp and Daphnia aregreat additions to supplement the diet.

Check out our extensive range ofaquarium fish foods.

Otocinclus Catfish Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

Otocinclus Catfish are found naturally in moderate-to-slow rivers with well-oxygenated water.Water quality is vital, so an excellent filter is essential. An appropriately sizedcanister filteris a good choice as you can pack in withbiological media. Make sure the filter suits for the tank size. Andhere are some great ones to consider:

• 307 Performance Canister Filter By Fluval
• Classic External Canister Filter 2215 (350)By EHEIM
• Oase FiltoSmart 60
• Oase BioPlus 100
• Aqua One 1000 External Canister Filter

Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filtershere.

Aquarium Heater

Otocinclus Catfish enjoy temperatures between 23 – 27 C. Aquarium heaters not only heat the water to the desired temperature, but they stabilize the temperature and ensure consistency. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.

Get yourself an aquarium heaterhere.

Aquarium Plants

Otocinclus Catfish are plant friendly and enjoy heavily planted aquariums. They are the perfect addition to a fish tank that has fine and soft leaf plants as well as firm. A variety of aquatic plants can be kept safely with theOtocinclus Catfish.

Suitable aquarium plants include:

• Swords
• Crypts
• Anubias
• Assorted bunch plants

Interested in Live Plants for your aquariums?Click here

Aquarium Decorations

Otocinclus Catfish love driftwood as it provides the ideal surface for algae growth and organic material to grow and feed them.They also need lots of hiding spots to feel safe in an aquarium environment.Add ornaments such as driftwood, rock, caves, tubes, and pipes.

After more nice quality decorations? Check ourAquarium Ornaments.

Aquarium Lighting

Standard aquarium lighting is suitable.You can speed up algae growth in the aquariumif you desire by leaving the aquarium lighting on for extended hours (12+ hours per day). This provides a natural food source for yourOtocinclus Catfish.

Substrate

A variety of substrates can be used. If keeping a planted aquarium, opt for a nutrient rich aquarium soil for ideal plant growth. Alternatively aquarium sand and fine grade aquarium gravel is suitable.

A variety ofSubstratesare available at Coburg Aquarium.