Common Otocinclus

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 3–5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 21–26 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH, KH 0–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Common Otocinclus is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Plant safe

Yes

Shrimp safe

Yes

Snail safe

Yes

Community safe

Yes

Aquascape fit

Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Common Otocinclus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Provide mature biofilm plus spirulina foods, algae wafers, vegetables and occasional small protein-rich foods. Monitor belly condition.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Central South American river basins.

Natural habitat: Vegetated streams and river margins where groups graze biofilm, algae and microorganisms from plants, wood and other submerged surfaces.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced.

Adult size is about 3–4 cm. The greatest husbandry risk is starvation in a sterile or aggressively cleaned aquarium rather than a lack of nuisance algae.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
• Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
• Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.