Species profile
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
Peaceful
Moderate care
70 L minimum aquarium
3–4.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Trade Otocinclus are small social biofilm/algae grazers that should only enter mature, stable aquaria with plentiful natural grazing and supplemental food.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
21–26 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
Up to 12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.6
Peaceful and social. Keep at least six. Newly imported fish may arrive underweight, and boisterous tankmates can prevent them from feeding adequately.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Alternative names
Oto, Dwarf Suckermouth Catfish, Otocinclus affinis (frequent trade misidentification), Otocinclus vittatus, Otocinclus macrospilus
Native range
Not assigned at species level for this trade-group record because aquarium Otocinclus are commonly sold under incorrect or generic names.
Natural habitat
Mature planted aquarium with algae/biofilm-coated surfaces, excellent oxygenation and stable low-pollutant water.
Diet & feeding
Primarily algae, aufwuchs and biofilm grazer. Supplement with algae wafers and vegetables; do not expect a sterile new aquarium to feed them.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are typically larger and fuller-bodied; species-level traits are subtle and trade identity is often uncertain.
Breeding
Species in the trade are egg layers with no prolonged parental care; details differ across Otocinclus species and are not safely generalised further here.