Mimicry Otocinclus

Otocinclus mimulus

Mimicry Otocinclus is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 5+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 5+Beginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 5+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Mimicry Otocinclus is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

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

Use a seasonal cycle: around 18–22 °C during the cooler part of the year and 24–28 °C during the warmer part. Newly imported fish need their original seasonal rhythm respected.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 5+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Paraguay.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Blue Danio Danio kerri Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 64–77°F (18–25°C) Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3" (≤ 7.7 cm) 68–75°F (20–24°C) Barito Loach Kapuasia falaris Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate 2.4–3.1" (6–8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Venezuela Corydoras Corydoras schultzei Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Mimicry Otocinclus get?

Mimicry Otocinclus reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Mimicry Otocinclus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (112 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Mimicry Otocinclus peaceful?

Yes. Mimicry Otocinclus is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

Should Mimicry Otocinclus be kept alone or in a group?

Mimicry Otocinclus: Keep in a loose group of 5+.