How difficult is it to keep Zebra Otocinclus?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Zebra Otocinclus?

The ideal temperature for Zebra Otocinclus is 21〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Zebra Otocinclus?

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

How large does Zebra Otocinclus get?

Zebra Otocinclus typically reaches 4-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Zebra Otocinclus?

Zebra Otocinclus feeds on: Algae, biofilm, spirulina tablets and blanched vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Zebra Otocinclus?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Zebra Otocinclus

Advanced

Otocinclus cocama

A small Otocinclus marked with vertically elongated black blotches, known only from one drainage in Peru. It lives on algae and biofilm in a mature tank and readily starves in a newly set-up aquarium.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

21〜25℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

4-5cm

Diet

Algae, biofilm, spirulina tablets and blanched vegetables

About

Otocinclus cocama is a small loricariid catfish known only from its type locality, Yanayacu Creek in Requena Province, Loreto, Peru. Described in 2004, it reaches 4.4cm standard length according to FishBase. Vertically elongated blotches along the flanks and a complete lateral line separate it from its congeners, and it has the highest tooth count in the genus; the W mark on the caudal fin is shared only with O. batmani. Seriously Fish gives 21-25C, pH 6.0-7.5, 2-10dGH and a 45 x 30cm base of about 41 litres, and insists on a mature, densely planted set-up rather than a newly established tank. It is a herbivore living on algae and biofilm and will starve if neither is present. Keep it in a group of six or more. The IUCN assesses it as Endangered, although substantial numbers are bred in Asia.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Zebra Otocinclus

The Zebra Otocinclus lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Zebra Otocinclus

The Zebra Otocinclus grows to 4-5cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Zebra Otocinclus

The ideal temperature for the Zebra Otocinclus is 21〜25℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (Yanayacu Creek, a tributary of the Rio Ucayali, Loreto, Peru)

Lifespan

3-5 years

Care Specifications

pH: 6–7.5
Hardness (GH): 2–10 dGH
Water Temp.: 21–25℃
Min. Tank: 41 L

PeacefulGroupBreeding: Hard

Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / Wikipedia

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Otocinclus cocama Reis, 2004

Authority databases: FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.