Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)
A small, peaceful algae-eating catfish perfect for planted and community aquariums
The Otocinclus Catfish, often called “Otos”, is a gentle bottom-dweller renowned for its excellent algae-eating abilities. With a sleek, streamlined body and calm temperament, they’re ideal for keeping tanks clean without disturbing plants or other fish. Otos thrive in groups and prefer well-established aquariums with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots. Hardy yet sensitive to poor water quality, they do best in stable, peaceful community setups.
Need to Know:
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Recommended For: Planted and peaceful community tanks
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Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres
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Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 22–28°C, soft to moderately hard water
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Feeding: Omnivorous; best fed with high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with algae wafers or blanched vegetables
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful, social |
| Compatibility | Good with non-aggressive fish; avoid fast or aggressive species |
FAQ
What kind of tank setup is best for Otocinclus Catfish?
Otocinclus Catfish thrive in planted and peaceful community tanks with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots. A well-established environment with stable water conditions is ideal.
How many Otocinclus Catfish should I keep?
They do best in groups of at least 6 to promote natural behavior and reduce stress.
What do Otocinclus Catfish eat?
They are omnivorous and should be fed high-quality flake or pellet food, supplemented with algae wafers or blanched vegetables.
Wendy Morgan –
I added six Otocinclus to my 40-litre planted tank. They’ve been active and clean the algae on the glass and leaves without bothering my other fish. Easy to care for and very peaceful.
Jonathan Hudson –
The fish arrived healthy and settled quickly. I feed them daily with algae wafers and flakes. They stay near the bottom and don’t chase other fish. Good for beginners.
Robert White –
My tank has been algae-free for over two months since adding Otocinclus. They’re quiet, active, and don’t stress the plants. I’d recommend them for any planted setup.
Neil Hemmings –
They seem healthy, but I noticed they don’t eat much on their own. I have to supplement with blanched zucchini. Still, they’re not aggressive and fit well with my community.