Otocinclus vittatus

Common name(s) Otocinclus, Dwarf suckermouth, 'Oto' Picture of Otocinclus catfish

© Sean Evans

Scientific name Otocinclus vittatus

Synonyms

Size 1.5" (4cm)

Origin Brazil

Tank setup Best added to a mature planted tank, with pieces of bogwood for resting places.

Compatibility Peaceful, keep in a group.

Temperature 21-26^oC (70-79^oF)

Water chemistry Fairly soft, acidic to around neutral pH (6.0-7.5)

Feeding Excellent algae eater, supplement with other green foods and small frozen/live foods.

Sexing Males are smaller and slimmer than females.

Breeding Eggs are laid on the leaves of plants and hatch in about 3 days. Provide plenty of algae, green food and tiny particulate foods, such as the liquid suspension types, for the fry.

Comments This is probably the most commonly imported species of Otocinclus.
Otocinclus catfish are the ideal algae eater for small to medium sized tanks. They can be difficult to acclimatise initially, and efficient filtration is essential. They are frequently reported to die for no apparent reason after adding to a new tank.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Otocinclus, Dwarf suckermouth, 'Oto'	`© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Otocinclus vittatus
Synonyms
Size	1.5" (4cm)
Origin	Brazil
Tank setup	Best added to a mature planted tank, with pieces of bogwood for resting places.
Compatibility	Peaceful, keep in a group.
Temperature	21-26^oC (70-79^oF)
Water chemistry	Fairly soft, acidic to around neutral pH (6.0-7.5)
Feeding	Excellent algae eater, supplement with other green foods and small frozen/live foods.
Sexing	Males are smaller and slimmer than females.
Breeding	Eggs are laid on the leaves of plants and hatch in about 3 days. Provide plenty of algae, green food and tiny particulate foods, such as the liquid suspension types, for the fry.
Comments	This is probably the most commonly imported species of Otocinclus. Otocinclus catfish are the ideal algae eater for small to medium sized tanks. They can be difficult to acclimatise initially, and efficient filtration is essential. They are frequently reported to die for no apparent reason after adding to a new tank.