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Otocinclus catfish, often called “Otos,” are known as some of the best algae-eating fish for freshwater aquariums. Native to South American rivers, these small catfish are prized for grazing algae off glass, plants, and decorations—making them an essential part of any tank’s cleanup crew. They have distinctive black markings and a mottled appearance, easily standing out among nano fish.
Otocinclus have a reputation for being sensitive, mainly due to their need for consistent food and gut bacteria. They are constant grazers and need a steady food supply to maintain digestive health. At Flip Aquatics, we supplement their diet with Bacter AE and ShrimpFit and quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks. When properly cared for, Otocinclus are beginner-friendly and easy to keep.
A balanced diet is key for Otocinclus. We feed ours the following:
This variety ensures proper nutrition, especially when natural algae is limited.
All Otocinclus Catfish orders are backed by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. We use proven shipping methods to ensure your fish arrive healthy. If any issues arise, simply provide photos and we’ll refund or replace your fish. Orders may take up to a week to ship based on availability.
We recommend a minimum tank size of 5 gallons, but 10+ gallons is ideal for keeping Otocinclus in groups of 3 or more. Stable water conditions, especially during the first week, are crucial. They do best in mature aquariums with established algae and biofilm, along with plenty of cover from plants, driftwood, and rocks.
They do best in groups of 3 or more to reduce stress and promote natural behavior. Otos are peaceful and enjoy being part of a small school.
Yes, they are excellent at eating soft green algae and diatoms. They graze constantly and are especially known for cleaning glass and hard surfaces.
Yes, Otocinclus are peaceful and safe with shrimp, snails, and other non-aggressive fish. We’ve never seen them harm shrimp—even baby shrimp.
Three Otos arrived on time and appeared to be in good condition. Went through a drip acclimation. Within one minute of being introduced into the new tank they were eating algae. In less than a week they have fattened up and are doing well. The 20 gallon tank they are in is my first effort at plants. Water parameters are good but over time algae was out of control and I cleaned 1/2 of the front glass just to see clearly what was happening inside. I am amazed that the three small fish cleaned the algae within three days. I get upset when I lose a fish. I will be very upset if I lose one of the Otos. Flip Aquatics delivered healthy fish. I am about to try Solent Green, cucumbers, zucchini, and French cut green beans (no salt added) to try to keep them fat. Hopefully they will find enough in the planted tank to stay well feed. Any further suggestions on keeping them healthy is appreciated. I do pretty well at keeping fish and the Otos are going to get special TLC. Thanks for some really good fish.
healthy
Otocinclus Catfish | Otocinclus Vestitus
Otocinclus catfish came in happy and healthy. Fed them bacter AE and shrimp fit for a week and easily transitioned to algae wafers and blanched veggies. Highly recommend and great soft algae cleaners.
Recieved 4 oto cats, and almost couldn't cut the bag because they kept flinging thenselves up the bag. Once they were acclimated they integrated perfectly into my community tank. I love their big pearly bellies
