Otocinclus

About

The otocinclus is a tiny armored suckermouth catfish prized as one of the few genuinely plant-safe algae eaters. Native to shallow, oxygen-rich South American streams, it clings to leaves, glass and wood while rasping soft green algae and biofilm. Gregarious by nature, it grazes in busy little herds and should never be kept alone. It is delicate on import and needs a mature, well-established aquarium.

Care

Keep 6+ in a mature, stable, well-oxygenated tank with established biofilm and algae. Sensitive to poor water quality and shipping stress; acclimate slowly and never rely on it to clean a new tank.

Diet

Herbivorous biofilm and soft-algae specialist; supplement with blanched vegetables and algae wafers. Will starve in a new or spotless tank.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Otocinclus vittatus
• Aquarium Co-Op — Otocinclus Catfish Care