Guide
Otocinclus care guide
Small algae grazers that need clean water, groups, and established tanks.
- Group: Keep at least 6; they are shy and social.
- Tank: Mature, well-established planted tanks with algae and biofilm to graze.
- Water: Sensitive to poor water quality — 0 ammonia/ nitrite, stable parameters.
- Diet: Supplement with algae wafers and veg — do not rely on algae alone long-term.
Why otos die in new tanks
They often starve when biofilm is thin and water is unstable. Add them only to established, planted tanks with good algae coverage or planned feeding.
Tank mates
Peaceful community fish — tetras, rasboras, corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive species that outcompete them for food.
Breeding
Rare in captivity for most hobbyists; focus on health and longevity.
Log parameters and feeding reminders in App-aquatic.
Get the free appHow many otocinclus should I keep?
At least six; larger groups are more natural and less shy.
Will they eat all my algae?
They graze soft algae and biofilm but need supplemental feeding — especially in clean tanks.
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