Common Otocinclus

Otocinclus vittatus

Common Otocinclus is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 6+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a school of 6+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: 1.2–1.6" (3–4 cm)
Aquarium size: 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 70–79°F (21–26°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
KH: 0–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a school of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 3–5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) 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.

Keep in a school of 6+.

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. Keep in a school of 6+.

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.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a school of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

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.