OTOCINCLUS

Otocinclus, often called Otos or Oto Cats, are small, peaceful algae-eating fish that are perfect for community aquariums. They belong to the family Loricariidae and are known for their efficiency in keeping tanks free of algae while being non-aggressive and social. Due to their gentle nature and specific care requirements, it's important to provide them with the right environment to thrive. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for these helpful little fish:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: Otocinclus are small fish (about 1.5-2 inches) but are highly active and prefer to live in groups. A 10-gallon tank is the minimum for a small group of 4-6 Otos, but a larger tank (20 gallons or more) is preferable for larger groups.
• Aquascape: Otocinclus thrive in tanks with plenty of live plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks. They enjoy grazing on algae that grow on surfaces, so providing hardscape elements like driftwood and flat stones will give them plenty of areas to clean.
• Substrate: A soft sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal. It helps mimic their natural environment and allows them to comfortably move around the bottom.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is best. Too much light can encourage excess algae growth, which can lead to poor water quality, but Otos do need some algae to feed on, especially in planted tanks.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Otocinclus thrive in water temperatures between 72-79°F (22-26°C). They prefer slightly cooler water compared to some other tropical fish.
• pH: A pH range of 6.5-7.5 is ideal, though they can tolerate slightly acidic or slightly alkaline water if the transition is slow and stable.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is best, with a general hardness (GH) of 6-15 dGH.
• Water Quality: Otocinclus are sensitive to poor water conditions, so stable, clean water is essential. Weekly water changes of 25-30% and proper filtration are crucial to maintaining their health.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: A gentle filtration system is ideal for Otocinclus. Sponge filters, canister filters, or hang-on-back filters with low flow work well in tanks with Otos, as they prefer calm waters.
• Water Flow: Otos are not strong swimmers and come from areas with slow-moving waters. Avoid strong currents in the tank, as they can cause stress and limit their ability to graze on surfaces.

Feeding

• Diet: Otocinclus are herbivores and primary algae eaters. In a well-established tank with enough algae, they will graze on it naturally. However, in newer tanks or when algae levels are low, you should supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, cucumber, or spinach), and spirulina-based foods.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts of algae wafers or vegetables every day or every other day, depending on the amount of algae in the tank. Make sure they have enough food to stay healthy but avoid overfeeding, as excess food can cause water quality issues.
• Important Note: Otos are often sold after being wild-caught and may not have access to sufficient algae during transport. Make sure they have access to food soon after introduction to your tank to avoid starvation.