Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)

Care Requirements

Water Parameters: Otocinclus Catfish thrive in a pH range of 6.0-7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water with good oxygenation.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Otocinclus Catfish is 22-28°C (72-82°F).
Tank Setup: A planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and surfaces to graze on is ideal. Otocinclus enjoy tanks with lots of live plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks covered in algae.
Water Conditions: Otocinclus are very sensitive to poor water quality. Ensure regular water changes and maintain a clean environment with stable parameters.

Feeding Habits

Diet: Otocinclus Catfish are herbivorous and primarily consume algae. In a well-established tank with sufficient algae growth, they can often sustain themselves without additional feeding.
Supplemental Feeding: If algae are insufficient, supplement their diet with high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber, and occasionally spirulina tablets. Feed small amounts that can be consumed within a few hours.

Behavior

Activity: Otocinclus are active during the day and are constantly grazing on algae and biofilm. They are peaceful and non-aggressive.
Social Structure: They are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 to ensure they feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.
Breeding: Breeding Otocinclus in home aquariums is rare but can occur in optimal conditions. They lay eggs on flat surfaces such as leaves and glass.

Tank Mates

Compatibility: Otocinclus are compatible with other peaceful, small fish and invertebrates. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, shrimp, and other small, non-aggressive fish.
Avoid: Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may harm them.

Additional Tips

Algae Availability: Ensure there is enough algae for them to graze on. In newly set up tanks, they might require more supplemental feeding until algae develop.
Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of plants and hiding places to make them feel secure and reduce stress.
Observation: Regularly check for signs of malnutrition or stress, such as decreased activity or visible weight loss.

Including Otocinclus Catfish in your aquarium helps maintain algae control and contributes to a cleaner, healthier tank environment, while adding gentle, continuous activity to the bottom and mid-layers of your aquascape.