Otocinclus characteristics and how to keep them

Otocinclus is a tropical fish of the family Loricariidae and genus Otocinclus that is native to the Amazon River basin in South America. In this article, I would like to explain in detail the characteristics of the Otocinclus and how to keep them.

What is Otocinclus?

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Otocinclus is a tropical fish in the family Loricariidae of the catfish order Otocinclus. Otocinclus originated in the Amazon River basin in South America.Otocinclus has a low body height similar to that of catfish and has a flat appearance when viewed from the side. They also have sucker-like mouthparts, which they dexterously use to scrape off aquatic plants and moss. Because of their distinctive appearance, these fish are useful for removing debris from aquariums.

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How to keep Otocinclus

Otocinclus will be an easy breed to keep. The lifespan of the Otocinclus is approximately 5-7 years. Their body size is approximately 5 to 10 cm. However, both lifespan and body size vary depending on the environment in which they are kept and the food they are fed. They prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Otocinclus is classified as a tropical fish, so if you keep it in Japan, it will need a heater in winter.

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Points to keep in mind when mixing swimmers

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Regarding mixed swimming, first of all, the character of the Otocinclus is a docile one. Therefore, if the breed with which they are mixed is territorial or aggressive, the Otocinclus may be attacked, resulting in injury or even illness due to stress.Recommended species for mixing with Otocinclus are small fish such as neon tetras, calasin fish, and red fin fish. Otocinclus itself is classified as a small species, so we recommend that you refrain from mixing it with medium to large species.

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Points about spawning

Many people who keep Otocinclus want to breed them. Breeding Otocinclus is very difficult. The first thing to do is to identify the male and female Otocinclus. Males are relatively small and slender. Females have a fuller abdomen and a fuller body shape. Therefore, we recommend that you first identify the female.Also, the best chance of spawning is to keep them in a ratio of 1 male: 2 females. When you want to breed Otocinclus, be sure to put in water plants and driftwood that can be used as spawning beds. It is good to include them because they can be used as a hiding place or as food for water plants outside of the spawning season.

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What to look for when keeping Otocinclus

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Otocinclus is a popular species because it is easy to keep and to mix with other species. They are also recommended for beginners and those who are concerned about water quality, as they dispose of debris in the aquarium. Compared to plecos, Otocinclus spp. prefer to eat plant matter such as aquatic plants and moss, so they often do not dispose of food scraps. For this reason, they are more useful than other species in aquariums that mainly use aquatic plants.Also, if you are purchasing from a specialty store, you need to pay attention to whether or not the Otocinclus is receiving artificial feed. If they are receiving artificial feed, they may not treat moss, etc. If you are concerned about this, we recommend that you ask the store staff. If you are interested in Otocinclus, we recommend that you take a look at them at a specialty store.

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