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Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish

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$15.00
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Otocinclus Catfish

Looking to add an interesting pet to your aquarium? Otocinclus catfish are small, peaceful fish with a scavenger lifestyle that add a unique element of fun and activity to your tank. 

Otocinclus Catfish are an excellent choice for any tank! They are a peaceful species, living in schools and cleaning tanks with their delicate eating style. Plus, they even help clean plants as well as glass and help keep tanks with babies or shrimp safe and healthy. 

The Otocinclus catfish, commonly known as the Otocinclus or Oto catfish, is a small freshwater fish that belongs to the Loricariidae family. It is native to South America, particularly the Amazon River basin and other tributaries.

Here are some key characteristics of Otocinclus catfish:

  1. Appearance: Otocinclus catfish have a slender body with a rounded belly. They are typically small, reaching an average size of 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length. They have a grayish or olive-brown coloration with a distinctive black stripe running horizontally along their body.

  2. Peaceful Nature: Otocinclus catfish are peaceful and social fish, making them a popular choice for community aquariums. They are non-aggressive and can be kept with other small, peaceful fish species.

  3. Algae Eaters: These catfish are known for their voracious appetite for algae. They are often sought after by aquarium enthusiasts to help control algae growth in the tank. They use their sucker-like mouths to scrape algae off various surfaces, including glass, rocks, and plants.

  4. Shoaling Fish: Otocinclus catfish are shoaling fish, which means they prefer to live in groups. Keeping them in groups of at least five or more individuals will provide them with a sense of security and encourage natural behaviors.

  5. Tank Requirements: They thrive in a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, and plants. The tank should be well-maintained, with stable water parameters. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C).

  6. Herbivorous Diet: Apart from algae, Otocinclus catfish also consume other plant matter, such as biofilm and small, soft vegetables. In the aquarium, they can be fed with a combination of high-quality algae wafers, sinking pellets, blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber, and occasional live or frozen foods.

  7. Breeding Challenges: Breeding Otocinclus catfish in captivity can be challenging. They have specific breeding requirements, including the need for soft, slightly acidic water and the availability of suitable spawning sites such as broad-leaved plants. Consequently, most Otocinclus catfish available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

It's important to note that Otocinclus catfish are sensitive to water quality and should be introduced to a well-established aquarium with stable conditions. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are essential for their well-being.