Otocinclus

Otocinclus

Otocinclus vittatus

Also known as: Oto Catfish, Dwarf Suckermouth

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🌿 Herbivore Schooling (6+)

Tiny, efficient algae eater perfect for planted tanks. Gentle on plant leaves unlike larger plecos.

Tank Size

10 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

72–79°F
22–26°C

pH Range

6–7.5
water acidity

Max Size

1.5"
3.8 cm

Lifespan

3–5 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Sensitive to water quality. Add only to mature, cycled tanks with established algae growth. Can starve in clean tanks.

Feeding

Algae, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers if natural algae is insufficient.

Compatible Tank Mates

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5"

Use Caution With

Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Silvertip Tetra 2" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Blue Tetra 2.5" Long-Finned Serpae Tetra 1.8" German Blue Ram 2.5" Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid 3" Firemouth Cichlid 6" Electric Blue Acara 6"

Incompatible With

White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Angelfish 6" Oscar 14" Discus 8" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8" Severum 8" Blood Parrot Cichlid 8" Texas Cichlid 12" Pike Cichlid 10" Salvini Cichlid 8"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Otocinclus is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.