CheckMyFishTankOtocinclus care
Otocinclus vittatus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A tiny, peaceful algae eater that needs a group.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours. Algae wafers, blanched zucchini, a mature tank with algae.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Otocinclus in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Otocinclus need different water temperatures.
- Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
- Discus: Discus and Otocinclus need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Otocinclus.
Questions
What size tank does a Otocinclus need?
At least 15 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 1.75 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Otocinclus like?
72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Otocinclus should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Otocinclus eat?
Algae wafers, blanched zucchini, a mature tank with algae. Feed twice a day: a small pinch of flakes plus fresh vegetables or an algae wafer left in for a few hours.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.