Discover Otocinclus catfish, a peaceful algae eater ideal for fresh water tanks . Learn about their differences, care needs, tank set up, feeding and that why they are good for gignner and planted tanks.
If you want to keep clean the tank it is recommended to pet the smaller cousin of Sucker mouth catfish, the Otocinclus fish. They have cleaning skills and peaceful personality. Stay with us to learn about this algae eater fish.
Otocinclus is from the group of catfish, belongs to the family of Loricariidae. This fish is native of South America and also known as “Dwarf Sucker” or “otos”. Like the other members of Loricariids, this fish body showcase the rows of armour and inside sucker mouth.
Otocinclus catfish is very small in size and have specialized adaptation to breathe in air. This is a famous aquarium fish and commonly prized for the algae eating. Although, the name of this fish is derived from the Greek word oto which ear and Latin word cinclus this means Latticework.
Otocinclus Appearance
This fish is commonly know for their amazing colors and unique marking patterns. By the grace of God, they have elongated and slendrical body shape and have light brown and greenish color. Otocinclus also have darker spots that helps them to blend in the environment.
Otocinclus catfish is one of the attractive fish from the family of Loricariidae. It’s a classic beginner fish, have slender body, light brown and green color with darker spots covering the whole body. Moreover, they have small and transparent fins that contributed to its appearance. In addition this fish grows 1.2-1.6 inches maximum, and the care of the fish is minimal.
Their body shape is differently shaped. They have sucker mouth head, which they use for eating algae.
Tank Parameters
Otocinclus catfish are good beginner fish, they are active and good for community tanks. Moreover, the tank size for this is depend on the specie, they ideal tank size for this 10 gallon. It is considered that is best for possible size it provides.
While setting up the tank for them, keep one thing in your mind, that they should be provided with the sufficient spaces for hiding and swimming. These fishes prefer the planted tank, but there should be the plenty of space of swimming. It is recommended that add carappa leaves to tint the water. These are the slow growing leaves which is usually known as the magnet for algae. They prefer dirft wood, live plants and rocks for hiding space and to eat alage.
Temperature or pH level
Otocinclus are usually come from soft acidic and neutral water from South America. The best considered pH level for water is 6.0-7.5 with the parameters of 72-82 degree fahrenhiets. The parameters set for this is soft to moderately hard water. They can survive in warm water with 22c-28c degree temperature.
For mainting the water conditions, you must have to the change water daily. While keeping fish one thing is very Important, is to good quality filters. These are sensitives fishes, water should not be polluted, environment must be clean and nicely maintained. They prefer low water flow for swimming and to work well.
Otocinclus Feeding
Otocinclus catfish, as they are herbivorous they can eat variety of foods. Diet rich with plants matter to survive. They feed on variety of food supplements and alage wafers.
Their diet should include high quality algae which is the major portion of their food. For blanched food they should be provided with the fresh vegetables like spinch and cucumbers. Moreover, for supplemental foods give them spirulina flakes and pellets which are specially for herbivorous.
Breeding
During breeding Otocinclus female fish become slightly larger due to eggs. While breeding feed them with lots of food and more protein in the food like live or frozen baby brine shrimps and microwarms. After hatching eggs put them in a hatching box and in 3 days fry will hatch. Feed fry with green water and algae, soft vegetables and also tiniest powered food. For faster growth baby brine shrimps are preferred to give them.
Conclusion
For peaceful and efficient algae eater Otocinclus/Otocinclus catfish is a fantastic addition to freshwater aquarium. Their small size, minimal care and gentle temperature makes them the ideal aquarium fish. They are generally easy to keep, with balance diet, clean and should provided with the well planted tank for their well being. Through proper feeding such as live plants, blanched vegetables and supplemental food they stay healthy. It is enough to say that dwarf sucker is not just a tank cleaner but also a charming fish that adds beauty in tanks.
Read More: Brilliant Rasbora: Black line and Red tail Freshwater Fish