Dwarf suckers fish - Otocinclus beginners guide

Otocinclus are algae eaters that serve the purpose really well. They are easy for beginners as they do not require much care or maintenance. But to know about their requirements this beginners guide is really helpful

Otocinclus Fish – Overview

Category	Description
Common Name	They are commonly referred to as Otos or Dwarf Suckers.
Scientific Name	Though there are many species that have a different scientific name, the common Otocinclus have the scientific name Otocinclus vittatus.
Habitat or Origin	They are native to South America in specific the rivers of Venezuela and North Argentina. Their habitat is freshwater habitat.
Average Size	The size depends on the species. The largest of species which is Otocinclus flexilis is 2.2 inches. The smallest of the species is Otocinclus tapirape is only one inch long.
Coloration	They come in various colors. Their colors depend on the species. The common Otos have top part brown and lower part white in color. The brown strips run alongside the body. The Golden Otos are golden in color. The Zebra Otos appear like the stripes of zebra. Silver Otos are silver in color.
Life Span	Their life span is usually 3 – 5 years provided the tank is kept clean.
Diet	Otos can eat algae n the tank. But this not just enough. Algae wafers can be fed. Other vegetables like lettuce, zucchini, and spinach can also be fed by chopping them into smaller pieces. They can be twice a day. But do not overfeed.
Gender Identification	Gender identification is really difficult for these fishes. The females are larger than males. But this can be seen only from above or below.
Behavior	Otos are usually bottom dwellers but they tend to stick to the surfaces of the decors which have algae on them. Once they clear up the algae on a particular surface they move to the next one. It is amusing to see their mouth trying to grip the surface. They are very active swimmers hence it is difficult to catch them with the fish net.
Compatibility	Otos are smaller fishes hence they can be compatible with other smaller fishes like Angelfish, Catfish, Danios, Cherry Barbs, Guppies, Dwarf Gourami, Zebra Loaches, Mollies, etc. It is advisable to avoid fishes that are aggressive or those which have a wide mouth so as to swallow the Otos. They can be in groups of 4 or more of their own kind.
Ideal Tank Conditions	Since Otos are bottom dwellers, they need a softer substrate like sand. Decors can be added and caves or rocks can be kept for the fishes to hide themselves when they are stressed. Plants can also be kept. They can thrive in smaller tanks like 10-gallon tank. This 10-gallon tank can accommodate 4 -6 Otos. Wider tanks are better than taller tanks if the tanks are larger in size.
Water Parameters	The temperature should be 72- 80 degree F. pH could be ^.8-7.5 which is approximately neutral. Soft water whose dH is higher than 15 is ideal.
Breeding	Breeding requires special condition. The water temperature should be raised but not above 78 degree F. this increase in temperature can help in spawning. The fishes mate in such condition. The males chase the females when they are ready. The female lays eggs. The males fertilize the eggs that are on the surfaces around the tank. In a few days, the fries come out and feed on algae and bacteria around the tank. They can adapt to adult food sooner.
Common Diseases	They can be affected by parasitic and fungal infection like ich. This is very common among the freshwater species. Color changes, spots, loss of appetite and inactivity are signs of disease. Keeping the tank clean is the best way to avoid diseases.
Approximate Cost	These fishes are available at an approximate cost of $3 – $5. This usually depends on the species and age of the fishes that we purchase.
What to look when buying	Look if the fishes are not wounded around the mouth. Make sure they do not have any disease symptoms like white spots.
Species in the Market	In the market, most all of the species of Otocinclus like macrospilus, vestitus, cocama, affinis are available.