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.

Why Shop With Infinity & Beyond Aquatics?

• Carefully coordinated livestock orders

• Protective insulated packaging appropriate for current weather conditions

• Priority Overnight live-animal shipping

• 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.