FishTankOtocinclus care: tank size, temperature and tankmates
A small algae-eating catfish that grazes soft algae off plants and glass. Otocinclus are peaceful but delicate when new.
Quick facts
| Type | Catfish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | About 1.75 inches |
| Smallest tank | 20 gallons |
| Temperature | 72–79°F |
| Keep | 6 or more |
| Watch for | Peaceful. Keep the right group size. |
How to keep them
Add them only to a tank that has been running for a few months and has algae to eat, and give algae wafers or blanched zucchini too.
Like every fish, they need a cycled tank, a heater set inside their range, and a weekly water change of about 25%. Test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate before you add them. New to this? Start with how to cycle a fish tank.
Tankmates
Good tankmates
Neon tetra · Cardinal tetra · Ember tetra · Rummynose tetra · Black skirt tetra · Serpae tetra · Harlequin rasbora · Zebra danio · Cherry barb · Tiger barb · Platy · Guppy · Endler's livebearer · Molly · Swordtail · Betta (male) · Honey gourami · Dwarf gourami · Pearl gourami · Corydoras (bronze or peppered) · Pygmy corydoras · Kuhli loach · Bristlenose pleco · Cherry shrimp · Amano shrimp · Nerite snail · Mystery snail
Possible, with care
- White cloud mountain minnow: They only share 72°F. A good heater and thermometer are a must.
- Angelfish: Adult angelfish may eat small fish like otocinclus. Add the small fish first, as adults, in a big tank.
Avoid
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish need cool water and grow big and messy. Keep them with other goldfish, not tropical fish.
- Common goldfish: Goldfish need cool water and grow big and messy. Keep them with other goldfish, not tropical fish.
Check a whole tank in the fish compatibility checker, or see if they fit with the stocking calculator.
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