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Hisonotus leucofrenatus
A small loricariid catfish with pale longitudinal markings on a dark brown body, endemic to the Atlantic coastal drainages of southern Brazil. It grazes algae and is adapted to cooler water than the genus Otocinclus.
Hisonotus leucofrenatus is a small loricariid catfish of the subfamily Hypoptopomatinae, endemic to southern Brazil. Its range runs from the coastal plain of the Lagoa dos Patos in Rio Grande do Sul through the Atlantic coastal drainages from the Ribeira de Iguape basin south to the Tramandai system. FishBase records 6.0cm standard length with pH 5.0-7.0, hardness up to 16dH and 20-25C. Because it lives in more temperate waters than the genus Otocinclus, it is adapted to a slightly cooler range. It was formerly placed in Otocinclus and known as Otocinclus leucofrenatus, but is now assigned to Hisonotus. It is a herbivore that rasps algae and biofilm from plant leaves, glass and driftwood. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Otocinclus Negro lives 3-5 years.
The Otocinclus Negro grows to 5-6cm.
The ideal temperature for the Otocinclus Negro is 20〜25℃.
Origin
South America (southern Brazil: Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Sao Paulo)
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hisonotus leucofrenatus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1908)
Synonyms: Otocinclus leucofrenatus
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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5-6cm
Temperature
20〜25℃
Algae, biofilm, spirulina tablets and blanched vegetables
A small species of about 6cm. Plant the tank and add driftwood and leaf litter to increase the surfaces where biofilm and algae can develop. Strong flow is not needed.
FishBase gives 20-25C, pH 5.0-7.0 and hardness up to 16dH. It is adapted to slightly cooler water than most tropical species, so watch for overheating in summer.
It is a small herbivorous bottom fish that is easily outcompeted for food, and tankmates should be chosen on that basis.
Algae and biofilm form the main diet. Tank algae alone is rarely enough, so offer spirulina tablets, vegetable-based wafers and blanched spinach or cucumber.
Captive breeding has rarely been recorded, so focus first on keeping the fish well fed and settled long term in a tank rich in algae and biofilm.
Newly imported fish are often thin and should be introduced to a tank that already carries algae and biofilm. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Otocinclus Negro is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Otocinclus Negro is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Otocinclus Negro typically reaches 5-6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Otocinclus Negro feeds on: Algae, biofilm, spirulina tablets and blanched vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Otocinclus Negro varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026