How difficult is it to keep Otocinclus?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Otocinclus?

The ideal temperature for Otocinclus is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Otocinclus?

The average lifespan of Otocinclus is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Otocinclus get?

Otocinclus typically reaches 3-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Otocinclus?

Otocinclus feeds on: Algae, tablet food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Otocinclus?

The price of Otocinclus varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Otocinclus

Beginner

Small catfish that eats algae on glass and plants. Peaceful and essential for planted tanks. More secure in groups.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

3-5cm

Diet

Algae, tablet food

About

Otocinclus, commonly called 'otos' or dwarf suckers, are small loricariid catfish distributed across river systems from Venezuela to northern Argentina in South America. Reaching only 2–5 cm, they use their sucker-like mouths to graze on soft green algae, diatoms, and biofilm from glass surfaces, plant leaves, and driftwood — making them exceptional algae controllers in planted aquariums. Unlike some larger algae eaters, they do not damage delicate plants and can clean even the smallest leaf surfaces. Being shy and somewhat fragile, they should be kept in groups of three or more for confidence. When aquarium algae is insufficient, their diet must be supplemented with blanched zucchini or sinking algae wafers. Breeding in captivity is challenging — most available specimens are wild-caught — requiring excellent water quality and an abundance of plant-based nutrition. Newly imported specimens often have compromised digestive systems, requiring special care during acclimation.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)