Algae-Eating Otocinclus Catfish – 3 Pack or 6 Pack

Otocinclus Catfish are small, peaceful freshwater algae grazers that make an excellent addition to established community and planted aquariums. These hardworking little catfish spend much of their time grazing on soft green algae, brown diatoms, biofilm, plant leaves, driftwood, rocks, and aquarium glass.

Otocinclus are social fish that feel safest when kept in groups. The 3-pack is best for adding to an existing school, while the 6-pack is the better choice when starting a new group.

Available Options

3 Pack
Includes three Otocinclus Catfish.

6 Pack
Includes six Otocinclus Catfish.

Fish Care

Scientific Name: Otocinclus species
Common Name: Otocinclus Catfish or Oto Catfish
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Approximate Adult Size: 1.5–2 inches
Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons
Recommended Group Size: Six or more
Water Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Diet: Herbivore and omnivore
Aquarium Level: Bottom and aquarium surfaces
Freshwater Only: Yes

Aquarium Requirements

Otocinclus Catfish should be introduced to a mature, fully cycled freshwater aquarium containing established algae and biofilm. Newly established or extremely clean aquariums may not provide enough natural food to support them.

Provide live plants, driftwood, smooth rocks, shaded areas, and plenty of surfaces for grazing. Stable water parameters and excellent water quality are essential because Otocinclus can be sensitive to sudden changes, ammonia, nitrite, and high nitrate levels.

Feeding

Natural aquarium algae should not be their only source of food. Supplement their diet with quality algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, blanched zucchini, cucumber, and other aquarium-safe vegetables.

Place food where the Otocinclus can easily reach it and monitor the group to make sure every fish is eating. A healthy Otocinclus should have a gently rounded belly rather than a thin or sunken appearance.

Compatible Tank Mates

Otocinclus Catfish are compatible with most peaceful freshwater community species, including:

Tetras
Rasboras
Corydoras
Guppies
Peaceful gouramis
Dwarf shrimp
Freshwater snails

Avoid keeping them with large, highly aggressive, territorial, or predatory fish.

Acclimation

Keep the aquarium lights dim or turned off during acclimation. Gradually acclimate the fish to the aquarium’s temperature and water conditions, and never add shipping water to the main aquarium.

Allow the fish time to settle after introduction. Temporary hiding, reduced activity, or lighter coloration can occur while they adjust to their new environment.

Quarantine and Availability

These fish are supplied through SAQ Chicago and may ship within an approximately 14-day quarantine window, depending on their current stage of quarantine.

Live-Fish Shipping

Live fish ship by FedEx Priority Overnight for a flat $39.99 livestock shipping charge. Orders containing $300 or more in qualifying live animals receive free live-animal shipping.

Live-animal orders ship Monday through Wednesday to reduce the risk of weekend carrier delays. Customers will receive tracking information once the order has shipped.

Live Arrival and DOA Guarantee

Your fish are protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Please inspect all livestock immediately upon delivery.

Any dead-on-arrival claim must be submitted within 12 hours of the carrier-recorded delivery time. Clear photographs showing the affected animal outside of the shipping water must be included with the claim. Please do not discard the animal or its packaging until the claim has been reviewed.

Claims submitted after the 12-hour reporting window or without the required photographs may not qualify for coverage. Please review our complete Live Arrival Guarantee before ordering.

Why Shop With Infinity & Beyond Aquatics?

Carefully coordinated livestock orders
Protective insulated packaging appropriate for current weather conditions
Priority Overnight live-animal shipping
Live Arrival and DOA protection
Support with acclimation, compatibility, feeding, and ongoing care
Personal service from experienced aquarium keepers

Important Livestock Notice

The product photographs are representative of the fish you will receive. Natural size, coloration, pattern, and appearance may vary between individual fish.

These are freshwater fish and must never be placed in a saltwater aquarium.