Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
Tiny algae grazers for mature planted tanks; keep six or more and supplement with vegetables.
Key facts
- Body length
- 1.4 in without fins
- Minimum tank
- 17 gallons
- Group
- 6+
- Temperament
- Peaceful, shy
- Care level
- 3 / 5
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Diet
- Biofilm and algae, algae wafers, blanched zucchini
- Origin
- Amazon and Orinoco basins
- Hardier than22%
- Bigger than12%
- Calmer than68%
Water: their range vs yours
Otocinclus tank mates
- Neon tetraGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Harlequin rasboraGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Panda corydorasGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Cherry shrimpGets along in shared water.Good mates
- BettaGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Black neon tetraGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Black widow tetraGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Blood parrot cichlidGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Bronze coryGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Cardinal tetraGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Cherry barbGets along in shared water.Good mates
- DiscusGets along in shared water.Good mates
- Fancy guppyFancy guppy outcompetes the slow-eating Otocinclus for food; target-feed to make sure it eats.Risky
- Tiger barbTiger barb nips fins; Otocinclus is vulnerable (slow swimmer). Risk is reduced: the group is at least the recommended size.Risky
- Amano shrimpAmano shrimp outcompetes the slow-eating Otocinclus for food; target-feed to make sure it eats.Risky
- Bristlenose plecoBristlenose pleco attacks fish with a similar shape or colour: Otocinclus.Risky
- Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater eats slow fish: Otocinclus (SF: присасывается к бокам крупных соседей, объедая слизь).Risky
- Clown loachClown loach outcompetes the slow-eating Otocinclus for food; target-feed to make sure it eats.Risky
- AngelfishAngelfish can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 2.3 cm.Avoid
- Blue dolphin cichlidBlue dolphin cichlid can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 6.3 cm.Avoid
- Convict cichlidConvict cichlid can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 3.8 cm.Avoid
- Firemouth cichlidFiremouth cichlid can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 3.0 cm.Avoid
- GoldfishGoldfish can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 3.0 cm.Avoid
- Iridescent sharkIridescent shark can eat Otocinclus: prey body depth 0.7 cm ≤ mouth 32.5 cm.Avoid
How we check
The numbers the tank model uses for otocinclus: water as ideal and tolerated ranges, bioload from adult mass, space, flow and how they act on other species.
- Standard length
- 3.5 cm (SL)
- Adult mass
- 0.86 g
- Bioload at 25 °C
- 0.73 BU
- Min. water
- 54 L net
- Group
- 6+ (best 8)
- Swims in
- bottom, middle
- Flow
- low
- Body / fins
- depressed flat, normal fins
- Diet type
- algivore
- Fin nipper
- none
- Sensitive to
- copper, salt, nitrate
Sources: Seriously Fish: Otocinclus vittatus
Care notes
Otos graze the soft film of algae on leaves and glass. They starve in brand-new tanks, so add them once the tank has been running for a few months.
They are completely peaceful and get stressed by boisterous fish such as tiger barbs.
Questions
What size tank does a otocinclus need?
At least 17 gallons (54 litres of water after decor). Adults reach about 1.4 inches without fins.
How many otocinclus should be kept together?
Keep at least 6, ideally 8 or more: fewer feel exposed and hide or turn nippy.
What water do otocinclus need?
72–79 °F, pH 6–7.2 and 2–12 dGH. Otocinclus come from Amazon and Orinoco basins.
How long do otocinclus live?
3–5 years with good care.
What fish can live with otocinclus?
Good tank mates include Neon tetra, Harlequin rasbora, Panda corydoras, Cherry shrimp and Betta. Each is checked both ways for size, fin nipping, temperament, territory and shared water.