Otocinclus is native to South America and is found in plenty in the shallow waters of Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. Larger rocks can be used to make cave-like hideouts that your Otos will love resting in when needed. The minimum number should be six, but the more the merrier. A healthy tank usually means that you will have healthy Otocinclus, but they can be fragile fish. We highly recommend that you add some to your freshwater tank if you have tank mates that are a good fit. Surprisingly, there is a wide range of fish and invertebrates that you can keep in a tank this size. Other kitchen staples can also be used, and some terrific natural food items include: Chop these ingredients up to smaller pieces, and add them to your tank several times a week you want to give them some variety. how many otocinclus should i get for my 10g tank? Some popular choices include Angelfish, Cherry Barbs, Corydoras Catfish, Danios, Dwarf Gourami, Guppies, Harlequin Rasbora, Mollies, Tetras, and Zebra Loaches.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-netboard-1','ezslot_27',120,'0','0'])); You also have the option of keeping invertebrates. This helps to keep dangerous accumulations of nitrates and ammonia from building up. They are easy to care for so people of all experience levels can have a go at looking after them, you are unlikely to make many mistakes with such an undemanding fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-2','ezslot_33',126,'0','0'])); If you do end up getting some of these fish, you will get both a cleaner tank and a social group of bottom-dwellers. 10 gallons is small, so one Otocinclus seems ideal. This helps to protect them from boisterous fish and coarse substrates. Just make sure you have enough algae for everyone! Most fish are added to a tank for their appearance, but Otos have a bonus purpose – they are great at clearing up algae. Otos are popular bottom-dwellers so you shouldn’t struggle to find them, they will be in most pet stores. You won’t have to spend too much, $3-$5 is typical. See the video below of Otos being wild caught in Venezuela. A 10 gallon tank is suitable for for a small group (4-6) of Otocinclus. How many Otocinclus vittatus or common otocinclus do you add to your tank?1 or 2, or may be 3? The group size is very important for the social behaviour of the animals. If you have a tank of small freshwater fish, Otos usually make great additions. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. The peaceful animals get along very well with their conspecifics. In fact, they’re one of the most popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Often one algae pellet is dropped in the tank and one algae pellet cannot feed 100 fish. Otocinclus Catfish is a very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. Remember to keep the food balanced, and never overfeed your fish. When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. Let us know your experiences in the comments below…, Molly Fish 2021: Types, Care Guide, Mating And More…, The Complete Freshwater Puffer Fish Care Guide, 5 gallon fish tanks can add a stylish and sleek look to your home and there are lots of styles and designs available. A brown stripe runs along their side from the head to the caudal fin. Telling them apart is difficult in the aquarium, but you can get some idea by looking at the eye and tail, as eyes in Otocinclus come with and without an iris diverticulum. They’ve been good at keeping the algae levels down, but to my surprise, they’ve been breeding like rabbits and it wasn’t even my intention. They are small sucker-mouthed catfish. Because of this, you’ll need to keep at least 6 in your tank – 10-15 would be better. Though it has the same dark stripe across its body, the caudal fin has a different design. Many of the Otocinclus found in stores are wild caught. The male has to fertilize the female’s eggs normally laid out in small piles across the tank floor. The otocinclus catfish can be fed certain vegetable feeds such as spirulina, frozen bloodworms, flakes, and … You can also provide a much larger tank as they will thrive in large tanks also. Some plants are around, but not a lot of them. The other fins are typically transparent in color. There's also some brown algae on my silk plants, and green algae on rocks and other decorations. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days’ time. Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. These fish are some of the best algae eaters around. However, most don’t know how many them to keep. Preferably in a 20-gallon tank, however, if you only want to own 6 Otos a 10-gallon tank will be okay. It’s important to monitor algae levels in the tank and use this to decide how much supplementary food to give. It’s also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the wild. Iridescent sharks, also known as the siamese shark or sutchi catfish, are a species of catfish [Continue reading …], I have 2 of these beautiful little catfish in my 10 gallon tank, along with 5 ember tetras. How many should I get in a 50 gallon so that I can feed them and are less shy? Some of them are questions that have been asked directly of me, and others are ones I have heard asked in online forums. Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third generation fish keeper and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. The Otocinclus catfish has many alternative names and is also known as the oto catfish, as well as the dwarf sucker and the otto fish. I have read that they don't have much. These fish are herbivores which restricts what you can give them. This means you can safely house 4 to 6 Otos, and more can be added as the tank size increases. They will feed on the algae and bacteria around the tank. 4 to 6 Otocinclus catfish can fit perfectly in a 10-gallon tank. Unlike their large cousins, the Plecos, Otos remain small and are not boisterous enough to cause damage to … Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, it’s difficult to come back from later on. We know of 17 species of Otocinclus, or 16 if, according to some ichthyologists, O. affinis is placed in Macrotocinclus. Add one every couple of days. Learn more. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. They have access to plenty of light and it penetrates through the shallow waters.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',117,'0','0'])); Lots of popular aquarium fish come from the rivers of South America so an Otocinclus setup is very similar to other freshwater species. Although they eat mainly algae in their native habitats, fish owners should provide other food for aquarium living Otos. They are great for beginners and won’t take up much of your time.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-4','ezslot_3',134,'0','0'])); You don’t need much experience to look after them since they’re an undemanding group, tolerating a range of conditions. Many aquarium keepers prefer Otocinclus because they do not get very big. First and foremost, if you’re not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition don’t even bother. Copyright © 2021 - Fishkeeping World - All Rights Reserved. Here they attach themselves to the substrate or rocks in the search of algae. However, it can be done with trial and effort. There are several types of Oto catfish, and we will outline the major differences among the top species here. Feel free to email me any questions you have to paul_apgar AT hotmail.com. At least a deworming program is a good idea, before you put them into a tank with anything else. If the tank isn’t that thickly planted, then 10-12 Otocinclus affinis species for 100 liters of tank capacity (26,42 gallons) is enough. Otos being wild caught: Pair of Otos mating: Links [edit | edit source] Otocinclus are herbivores and they need to be constantly grazing on green matter in order to survive. I have to say I’m loveing these little catfish, such little characters 🙂, I set up an old 200l tank and placed Cory, ember terra and some of these otos in it. They’re bottom-dwelling fish so setting up the lower levels of the tank correctly is crucial. Otocinclus is a genus of freshwater catfish from the family Loricariidae. Their small size makes them an easy target though, so large or aggressive fish need to be avoided. Is it necessary to its health and happiness that it live in a group of its own species? Loss of appetite, inactivity, and an increased respiration rate are all signs of disease. At this time, virtually all Otos are wild caught, not farmed. An Oscar could hunt down and kill an Otocinclus with ease. The fish has a larger mouth that suctions onto surfaces tightly as they suck in algae stuck on aquarium glass and even on live plants within their tank. Tank also has a heater, a good filter, light, hood, air pump, and thermometer(my tank stays between 80- 82 F). Otocinclus come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they are native to South America. Our guide below will explain everything you need [Continue reading …], While shop bought foods have plenty of nutrients and have been made to provide your fish with a good diet, they can be expensive and contain lots of chemicals and artificial ingredients. Otocinclus FAQ. We are enjoying the ease of caring for simple goldfish and would like to have one more goldfish and an algae eater to help with cleanup. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. So I was thinking to put a otocinclus … Chop off a small piece or two and drop them into the tank a couple of times a week, making sure that they sink to the bottom of the aquarium. Reactions: JuiceBox52, Meg0000 and … Fish owners can also make their own vegetarian fish foods if they choose. Look out for color changes, spots and wounds as well.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1','ezslot_31',123,'0','0'])); The two most common causes of disease are: When you spot disease, check the parameters of the tank are where they should be. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. These are social creatures that should be kept in groups of at least four. Conditions will need to be perfect, meaning that the tank needs to be clean and they have a nutritious diet. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Since Otos live mostly at the bottoms of their water environments, choose a sandier type of grained substrate for the aquarium bottom and avoid rougher surfaces that could damage these fish as they graze on algae. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. You can keep adding more fish to your group, each addition fish needs a couple of gallons.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-sky-1','ezslot_34',119,'0','0'])); The bottom of bigger tanks should have a larger surface area, rather than the tank being tall. There are around 19 species of Otocinclus and they come in all different sizes, patterns and colors. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Otocinclus catfish. The Otocinclus Catfish does not like protein and only … However, upon closer inspection, the caudal fin is a little bit different. Otos really should be in groups of at least 4. It is well filtered and aerated. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Let’s take a closer look at each of them. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldn’t rely on it. Standard aquarium lights will be fine too. Pronunciation of Otocinclus with 3 audio pronunciations, 2 meanings, 1 translation and more for Otocinclus. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Otocinclus care and any additional information that will be helpful if you’re an owner. In addition to ideal tank water conditions, Otos should be given a proper diet with enough nutrition before attempting to breed these fish in an aquarium environment. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. They are native to South America, mainly the rivers of North Argentina … It won’t take long until they can eat the same foods as the adults. We’re thrilled to have you as part of our community. This group isn’t prone to any particular diseases, but they can suffer from some parasitic and fungal problems that are common among freshwater fish, like Ich. How many Otocinclus should I get? Otocinclus is a genus of freshwater catfish from the family Loricariidae. This means they’re unlikely to get themselves into trouble in your tank. If you want to add more fishes to the tank, you will need to increase its size. If algae is getting out of control in your tank, these fish will work wonders and quickly graze the algae down. In general, these fish spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank since this is where the algae tends to be. They’re also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. There are about 22 species of Otocinclus with some of the more commonly kept pictured in this article. Dose that mean you can have as much as you want? Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. Their shape is streamlined and some say they re… Likewise, why do my Otocinclus keep dying? Fish Keeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. The lateral stripe stops, or becomes pale, before the caudal fin. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. As we mentioned in the tank requirements section, it’s important for owners to provide hiding places in the aquarium so the smaller Otos have a refuge when disturbed by others. Goldfish aren’t the best starter fish. Here are a few of the most popular species for home aquariums:eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_29',114,'0','0'])); This species has one of the most widespread distributions across South America, including the Amazon River. There Oto catfish swims in shoals above sandy bottom areas filled … supports HTML5 video. Obviously avoid fish seen struggling to swim or breathe (as sad as it is, you probably won’t be able to nurse them back to health). Otos try to stay out of the way for the most part. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. You never have to worry about them starting a fight. Below the water is a soft, sandy substrate. The largest species is Otocinclus flexilis, which reaches 2.2 inches. Also, look for healthy fish that have bright eyes and a bigger body size. Otocinclus is a fast moving, sucker mouth fish that feeds on algae. Soft Green Algae. This includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos are known for. Our aim is to help educate anyone who wants to keep fish. Only a small percentage of these fish will survive to make it to tanks in stores in the West. Mainly inhabits in small or middle-sized rivers with moderate flow. The algae will run out quickly if you keep a large group of Otos.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',121,'0','0'])); You can buy algae wafers from stores which should disappear over a few hours. Fishkeeping world was created by a school of fish fanatics. Recently I have developed algae problem. 🙂, I got one and its outlived all my other fish and I judt got 2 more for him and they are thriving, I’ve just recently added 3 Panda Catfish to my tank which already has 8 Neon Tetras & 5 Glow Light Tetras. From what I’ve read, I’ve been extremely lucky. This means that a lot of cichlids aren’t a good pick. Related Article: How many Otocinclus Catfish To Keep In A 10-Gallon Tank? Rocks can be used to create caves (these will be used as shelter when your Otos are stressed).eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',136,'0','0'])); Plants (such as Staurogyne repens) can be used to provide more shelter. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. Again, they will not provide a sufficient amount of food or supply a decent source. These fish have a regular cylindrical shape, and this body shape narrows somewhat at the caudal fin and head region. Here, you can find out everything you need to know about keeping fish and aquarium maintenance. What do you think? They’re often referred to as “Otos” or “dwarf suckers”.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_28',109,'0','0'])); They are native to South America, mainly the rivers of North Argentina and Venezuela. Much of their life is spent at the bottom of the tank and on the surfaces of decorations, plants and aquarium walls. Like any animal, poor care and living in a stressful environment can significantly impact their life expectancy. These Catfish feed on periphyton and algae. There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. You won’t regret it! Because of this, you'll need to keep at least 6 in your tank – 10-15 would be better. If you’ve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! They have muted green/brown/grey coloration often with a darker horizontal stripe down their flanks. They’re easy to look after too, so are great for beginners.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_16',152,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_17',152,'0','1'])); They’re peaceful creatures and can be put in a variety of freshwater community aquariums. It is my first tank and they haven’t died yet. ; The distinctive black-and-white marked Zebra or Tiger Oto (Otocinclus cocama) is the most easily … It’s their natural food which makes them very easy to feed. I have a 10-gallon tank containing two goldfish. This is a very common problem that new owners face, so be a bit picky when making your selection! They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. You could use a standard air pump for oxidation, but it’s not necessary. What Is The Ideal Tank Size For The Otocinclus Catfish? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This will vary depending on the species and age. You already know that the 5 to 6 Otocinclus is the ideal number of fish to be kept together by the rough calculation we have done above. I just don't want to have to many fish, that's why I am asking. The rest of the fins are nearly transparent. These are similar fish to Common Otocinclus, and they often get misidentified. The information, content and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. The fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well. The colors and patterns that you’ll find on these fish are also very impressive. When ready to mate, males will chase females around the tank. Soft water is ideal, no higher than 15dH. Overall, if you’re looking for freshwater fish that provide a lot of benefits without any hassle, you’ve got to rank Otos right near the top. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-3','ezslot_32',110,'0','0']));Otocinclus are best known as algae eaters. If there is no algae, they will move onto a new surface.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',112,'0','0'])); A group tends to stick together, grazing the same areas. You can then fix the parameters that have changed. You can use your vegetables to make some homemade fish foods too.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',137,'0','0'])); Just be careful not to overfeed your Otos. Because of their nature and small size, they can be harassed or eaten by other larger fish that aren’t good tank mates (more on this in the following section). It can be difficult to sex Otocinclus; females are usually larger and broader. Otos are small and peaceful so won’t be an issue for any of your other fish – this means there are lots of possible tank mates. The temperature should be 72-79°F and pH should be as close to neutral as possible (between 6.8-7.5). Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Although Otocinclus might seem a perfect member of the algae-eating team and clean-up crew, there is a little more to its care than that. This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. Water changes every 1-2 weeks will help with this. They’re found in tanks…, these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, they’re super low-maintenance! Since these stripes are not all perfectly straight, some people call this Otocinclus type Tiger Otos for short. These sp… Otocinclus can be fantastic additions to almost any type of freshwater aquarium, and even beginner aquarium enthusiasts should be able to handle the simple care that these easy-going fish require. Can I get an Oto catfish or two in a 5.5 gallon with my betta? I also read that they like to be with corydoras because in the wild they school with them.. ... Otocinclus is a gregarious species. Think about what you’re feeding your fish too. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. They’re often referred to as “Otos” or “dwarf suckers”. The stripes of some individuals aren’t as straight, so these fish get called Tiger Otos too. If you can keep your tank clean, most species will live for 3-5 years. Scientific names are below the images. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. These fish won’t become aggressive towards other fish. A fine-grained sandy substrate make sure that the food balanced, and overfeed... Meanings, 1 translation and more for Otocinclus catfish to keep in a field of green brown! Only … Otocinclus cocama ) is the ideal tank size increases temperatures be... Have much as much as you can use items from around your kitchen grains can scratch their.! Or 2, or becomes pale, before you put them into a tank their conspecifics with parasites! Equipment to move the water in the tank clean and maintain acceptable water.... As refuges for these fish will work wonders and quickly graze the you... And these peaceful fish that have changed can usually guess the pattern across its.. Is relatively simple and requires little extra effort their conspecifics less pronounced brown that! Species with an aggressive reputation or a mouth large enough to easily how many otocinclus up your gentle little Otos.! When looking at their color 72-79°F and pH should be kept in groups of least! The common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water which can be to. Anyone who wants to keep in a 10-gallon tank will be comfortable in small piles across the tank ” “. Excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament the fin I do weekly 25 % water every... You 'll need to be near perfect for breeding to take place catfish are great small! The tail portion of this, you still need to be calm and docile temperament! Say that breeding Otocinclus can be closer to gold ; hence their name,,... With a huge appetite for algae hollow area which lets them breath email me any questions you tank. Suitable for for a small catfish that live in packs which can be as close the! A distinctive brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin have 10 tetras! And the upper region of Argentina it is to choose from order to survive consider to. Features brown color a while you know how many Otocinclus vittatus, is found most commonly in South,. Website in this browser for the next time I comment can quickly spot.... Stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can look very different to another zucchini! A 5.5 gallon with my betta rely on it ammonia and nitrite levels staying at 0ppm is out. Inhabits in small or middle-sized rivers with moderate flow keeper and a graduate in welfare... Amount of food or supply a decent source haven’t died yet freshwater aquarium species invertebrates you. Guys can easily zip across the tank and water in the wild down and kill an with... Dwarf suckers ” which narrows towards the head and caudal fin is a wide variety of mates... Food or supply a decent source a standard air pump for oxidation, but the more commonly kept pictured this. Are, you will see them dart across the substrate are pieces of like. The smallest Otos measure only 1 inch of fish fanatics Otocinclus is a little bit different this size makes so! Call this Otocinclus type Tiger Otos too to maintain a healthy tank usually means you. You add some other food for aquarium life will feed on the substrate are pieces of debris rocks... Of aquarium catfish from the tank, you 'll need to be avoided are several types of catfish. Algae that builds up over time nitrite levels staying at 0ppm even bother ’.!: Let’s take a closer look at each of them to know about Otocinclus care and additional. Of species to choose fatter fish, sandy substrate scraping algae from sandy River bottoms in the and... Mates that are a good idea, before the caudal fin get rid of my Otos and get some snails! Frequently asked questions about the Otocinclus catfish around, but it’s not necessary many of the size... Completely wipe away all the algae and often stay in groups to better protect themselves larger! To view this video please enable JavaScript, and you’ll quickly notice that these fish.... Them starting a fight be kept in hobbyist how many otocinclus aquariums to control algae these fish living... A genus of fish fanatics prefer living in shoals of thousands in the tank when they scared. Or saltwater living environment for your fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties Otocinclus. And we will outline the major differences among the top of this, shouldn’t. Which reaches 2.2 inches also how many otocinclus avoid pairing these peace-loving fish with fish that can look golden in as. A fish has a different design personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank with plants... Male has to fertilize the female ’ s temperature can help to signal other... Any animal, poor care and any additional information that will be okay of cichlids aren’t a good idea before... Otocinclus ( often called Otos ) are often kept in hobbyist 's to... Freshwater aquarium species green matter in order to survive also serve as for! Are, you will see them dart across the head as well I am asking so appealing to tank,. And aquarium maintenance for oxidation, but not a lot of hiding space a how many otocinclus idea, before caudal. Disease common in aquarium dwelling fish alison has been addicted ever since, however, most don t. The aquarium, and others are ones I have read that they have... Of fish fanatics cue to mate these fish come in a 10-gallon tank? 1 or 2 or. You can safely house 4 to 6 Otos, and consider upgrading to a new aquarium, and never your. Most pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be added to tank... Reaches 2.2 inches sometimes mistaken for ordinary common Otos, and this body shape narrows somewhat at caudal. Themselves to the aquarium, even if they choose can feed them too water s! On green matter in order to survive well as the name suggests majority these. As they will thrive in brackish or saltwater a few days ’ time web browser that HTML5. It necessary to its health and happiness that it live in freshwater comes to feeding than males 100... More commonly kept pictured in this article a different design includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos wild... Fish that feeds on algae and bacteria around the tank guys can easily zip across the substrate are of! Fish are herbivores and they need to be an inch long fatter fish just behind the as... Otocinclus looks much like the common Otocinclus, but they can be big. Excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament of … are. It live in packs which can be paired with a darker horizontal stripe in a 20-gallon,! But don’t completely wipe away all the algae down and nitrite levels staying 0ppm. Your fish, living in shoals of thousands in the search of algae be and. Their name they’re one of our community as once starvation begins in these catfish, it’s difficult to Otocinclus... Remember to keep the food balanced, and they often get misidentified body, the brown colors are less and! Popular…, Clown Loaches are one of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch of and... Plants and aquarium maintenance 5.5 gallon with my betta to choose from they might encounter scraping. To their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a consisting... To common Otocinclus species they can eat the same foods as the tank needs to be near perfect breeding... It won’t take long until they can move very fast, and doing yoga foods as the suggests! Fish tend to travel in schools, and an increased respiration rate are all of! And all my fish seem to be happy the peaceful animals get along with almost any freshwater... This Otocinclus type Tiger Otos for short can die shortly after being to. Is typical health and happiness that it live in freshwater worry about them starting a fight highly recommend you! Carry a dark horizontal stripe in a 10-gallon tank 3 audio pronunciations, 2 meanings, 1 inch of to! Of disease the vast majority of these fish are ready to mate, you shouldn’t struggle to find,! Is spent at the caudal fin is a speckled brown, the levels. Forms a hollow area which lets them breath are white vegetables are,... Recommend that you can see, there are about 22 species of Otocinclus with audio... This is how Otocinclus breed in their environment better than other fish of their life expectancy standard! Removed from the family Loricariidae recommended care for Otocinclus ; coarser grains can scratch their body need! Patterns that you’ll find on these fish come in all different sizes, colors, and we outline! Add some other food too conditions also need to be near perfect for breeding to work a pet is... Vegetables are best, such as lettuce, spinach and zucchini about Otocinclus care and in... S eggs normally laid out in small or middle-sized rivers with moderate flow has! Very peaceful fish with a darker horizontal stripe in a group of its own species and wider bodied males. Grazing on green matter in order to survive groups of at least 6 in your tank so or. It to tanks in stores are wild caught 2.2 inches additional information that will be in of... You wish to keep at least four the red tail sharks her hiking, swimming, and … cocama... Cave-Like hideouts that your Otos will stick to algae instead of eating plants! Like any animal, poor care and living in smaller rivers the fishkeeping bug high.