Description
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 heavily planted tanks with a good amount of established algae growth.
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Features of Otocinclus Catfish:
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Muted green/brown/grey coloration with a darker horizontal stripe down their flanks
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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 to set up a community tank, you have to increase the tank size.
Some suitable aquariums to consider:
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Tank Mate Compatibility:
Ideal tank mates for otocinclus catfish are similarly-sized, peaceful fish, including:
Diet:
Otocinclus Catfish are omnivores and enjoy feeding on aquarium algae. Quality flake, pellets, and algae wafers are readily accepted and is great to feed them every day. This food will ensure that they’re getting their essential nutrients. Live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, Brine shrimp and Daphnia are great additions to supplement the diet.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium 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 sized canister filter is a good choice as you can pack in with biological media. Make sure the filter suits for the tank size. And here are some great ones to consider:
Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.
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.
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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 the Otocinclus Catfish.
Suitable aquarium plants include:
- Swords
- Crypts
- Anubias
- Assorted bunch plants
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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 our Aquarium Ornaments.
Aquarium Lighting
Standard aquarium lighting is suitable. You can speed up algae growth in the aquarium if you desire by leaving the aquarium lighting on for extended hours (12+ hours per day). This provides a natural food source for your Otocinclus 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 of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
