Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus vittatus compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size1.75"
Minimum tank10 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group6+
- temperature72-79F
- pH6-7.5
- water_hardnessGH 3-12 dGH | KH 1-6 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetysafe
- algae_eating_rolesupplemental grazer
- beginner_suitabilityintermediate
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Otocinclus Catfish, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the bottom zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesMature, biofilm-rich planted tank only; otos starve in new setups without steady soft-algae and biofilm grazing.
- caveatAdd only to a fully cycled, established tank with visible diatom or soft-green algae and grazable biofilm; new tanks routinely starve them.
- caveatKeep in a group of 6 or more; solitary or trio otos chronically stress and decline.
- caveatHighly sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, copper, and shipping stress; quarantine and acclimate slowly.
- caveatSupplement with blanched zucchini, cucumber, or repashy when soft algae runs low — they are not a self-feeding cleanup tool.
- cleanup_cautionNeeds mature tanks with steady biofilm and should be kept in groups.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Crystal Red Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 10 galCheck this pair in the planner ->