How to Care for Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus, also known as "dwarf suckermouth catfish" and "otos," are small catfish that live in freshwater. They are an herbivorous and relatively non-aggressive fish that many people buy to keep their aquariums free of algae. They can be kept alive for several years in good health if they have the proper environment and food.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Filter
  • Gravel
  • Plants (optional)
  • Water heater
  • Log, cave, or similar
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the proper enclosure for the Otocinclus. They cannot live in brackish or saltwater so should only be placed in a freshwater aquarium. They do not need as much space as some fish, spending most of their time during the day hiding and their time at night eating off tank surfaces, but should be in at least a 30 gallon tank. They do need the water warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and prefer water temperatures of 74 to 79 degrees. The water pH (acid/alkaline) levels should be in the 6.8 to 7.5 range and the KH (carbonite hardness) should be in the six to 10 range.

    • 2

      Provide the proper daily diet. Otocinclus are algae eaters, preferring soft green and brown diatom algae as their regular food. They may not eat hard green algae, however. If the aquarium does not have enough algae to keep them fed, they will need to be given other plant-based foods. Vegetables such as zucchini, Brussel sprouts and romaine lettuce may be given, as well as vegetable wafers, flakes or pellets. They will also eat marine algae in sheets or wafers.

    • 3

      Put the catfish in an aquarium with other fish. Otocinclus are schooling fish and do best in groups of at least three of their own species. They are usually non-aggressive and can also be housed with other community fish with the same environmental needs. They may harass flat-bodied, slow moving fish such as angelfish, however.