Otocinculus

Appearance & Personality

The Otocinclus features a sleek, peppered-grey body with a distinct dark horizontal stripe and a small, powerful suction-cup mouth. They are social, schooling fish that are most comfortable—and most effective—when kept in groups of three or more. Their personality is shy but busy; they spend nearly 100% of their waking hours “vacuuming” surfaces, often seen hanging vertically from the glass or perched on a broad leaf like a tiny ornament.

Why They Are a Planted Tank Favorite

• Plant-Safe Cleaning: They are one of the few algae eaters small enough to clean delicate mosses and thin-leaved plants (like Anubias or Amazon Swords) without eating the plant itself.

• Master of Diatoms: Otos are legendary for their ability to clear “Brown Algae” (Diatoms), which often plagues new aquarium setups.

• Ultra-Peaceful Neighbors: They are completely harmless to shrimp, fry, and other small fish, making them the safest choice for a “community-first” approach.

• Compact Size: Maxing out at only 1.5 to 2 inches, they fit perfectly into smaller desktop tanks where larger cleanup crews won’t fit.

Quick Care Guide

Pro Tip for Success

Otocinclus are dedicated “grazers,” meaning they need a constant supply of food. If your tank becomes too clean, be sure to supplement their diet with sinking algae wafers or a slice of blanched zucchini weighted to the bottom. They also appreciate a tank with plenty of oxygen and stable water parameters, so they thrive best in established, well-filtered aquariums!