Otocinclus
Otocinclus vestitus · family Loricariidae
Also: Dwarf Suckermouth Catfish, Otocinclus vestitus
Parameters
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–12 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 40 L
- Maximum size
- up to 4 cm
- Group size
- min 6, ideal 10
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Description
Otocinclus vestitus (3.5–4 cm) is a peaceful, schooling dwarf suckermouth catfish and the ultimate consumer of brown diatom algae and soft green biofilm. Unlike large plecos, it never damages delicate aquascape plants and is 100% shrimp-safe.
Care
Keep in a school of at least 6 individuals in a mature 40 L+ aquarium (21–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, GH 4–12). Never introduce Otocinclus into a brand-new sterile tank; they require established biofilm, zero ammonia/nitrite, and well-oxygenated water.
Feeding
Primary diet consists of brown diatoms and soft biofilm. Once visible algae are cleared, supplement with sinking spirulina wafers, blanched zucchini, cucumber, or spinach leaves so their bellies stay rounded.
Compatibility
Compatibility data not yet available.
FAQ
- How many Otocinclus should be kept together?
- Keep a minimum school of 6 in a 40–60 L tank. Otocinclus are obligate shoalers that suffer severe stress and stop feeding when kept singly.
- What kind of algae do Otocinclus eat?
- They are the #1 devourers of brown diatom algae and soft green dust algae, though they cannot eat tough Black Beard Algae (BBA) or long hair algae.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Otocinclus vestitus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Otocinclus vestitus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22