Otocinclus Catfish - Otoccinclus vestitusn

Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus vestitus) is a small, peaceful algae-eating catfish popular for its effectiveness in controlling algae in planted freshwater aquariums. Known for its gentle nature and schooling behavior, it adds both function and activity to community tanks.

Description:

Common Name: Otocinclus Catfish

Scientific Name: Otocinclus vestitus

Family: Loricariidae

Size: 1.5–2 inches

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Native Region:

South America (Amazon River basin and tributaries)

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons

Temperature: 72–79°F

pH: 6.8–7.5

Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Decor: Planted tanks with smooth surfaces for grazing, gentle water flow, and plenty of hiding places

Additional Tips:

• Schooling: Keep in groups of 6 or more for comfort and natural behavior

• Tankmates: Ideal with peaceful community fish

• Diet: Primarily herbivorous – feeds on algae, supplemented with algae wafers and blanched vegetables

• Behavior: Active grazers that spend most time on plants and tank surfaces cleaning algae