Otocinclus Catfish
The Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus sp.) is a small, schooling species of catfish native to South America. These catfish are popular due to their algae-eating capabilities, as well as their small size.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Maximum Fish Size: 1.5 inches
Water Temperature: 72F to 82F
Ideal pH: 6.5 – 7.0
Water Hardness: 6 – 15 dGH
Temperament: Docile schooling species. Does best in groups of 6+. While these fish eat algae, their diet must be supplemented to prevent starvation. We recommend commercially-available algae wafers.
Note: Unless experienced with fish-in cycling, we always suggest cycling an aquarium before adding fish. Adding fish to a fresh, un-cycled aquarium can kill them.
FAQ
What is the ideal water temperature for Otocinclus Catfish?
The ideal water temperature is between 72F and 82F.
How many Otocinclus Catfish should be kept together?
They do best in groups of 6 or more.
Do Otocinclus Catfish require special food?
Yes, while they eat algae, their diet must be supplemented with commercially-available algae wafers to prevent starvation.
Natalie Gray –
I added a group of five Otocinclus to my 10-gallon tank. They’re very peaceful and keep the algae under control. I feed them algae wafers twice a week and they’re active and healthy. The water parameters stayed stable with no issues.
Boris Wilkins –
The fish are small and quiet, which makes them great for a community tank. I’ve kept them for three months now and they’ve not shown any signs of stress. I make sure to feed them algae wafers daily to keep them fed.
Trevor Ogden –
Easy to care for and very hardy. I had a small tank with a few other species and the Otocinclus fit in well. They don’t compete for food and stay active in the background. Great for beginners.