Otocinclus Care Guide
Otocinclus vittatus · Moderate care · 20 gallon minimum
A tiny, peaceful algae-grazing catfish for established planted tanks; needs a mature tank with biofilm.
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How big does a otocinclus get?
A otocinclus (Otocinclus vittatus) reaches about 2.0 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a otocinclus a minimum of 20 gallons, with water at 72–79°F and a pH of 6–7.5. Keep them in groups of at least 6 — they are shoaling fish and become stressed and washed-out alone. As a moderate-care, herbivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a otocinclus with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Loricariidae, the suckermouth armored catfishes, and the subfamily Hypoptopomatinae, the cascudinhos. This catfish is found in South America, where it is known from the basins of the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná-Paraguay, and Tocantins rivers. It has been recorded from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Paraguay. This species reaches a total length of 3.3 cm (1.3 in). The species is found in the aquarium trade, where it is usually known as either the common otocinclus or the dwarf otocinclus, both of which are names that are used for other related species.
Recommended gear for otocincluss
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