Otocinclus Catfish
Country of Origin: 🇺🇸USAOtocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are peace-loving, easy to care for fish that can be added into a community aquarium. They will keep the algae down and help maintain good water quality within the aquarium.
About Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish resembles a small, slender fish with a bluish-black hue. They are native to South America and can grow up to two inches in length. Otocinclus Catfish are commonly called "Otto fish." They have large mouths in proportion to their tiny bodies. The Otto-fish are small and hardy freshwater aquarium pets that can be a great addition to most tanks.
Behavior of the Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are fast and aggressive scavengers that feed on leftover food, algae, and detritus. After they become accustomed to their environment, the Otocinclus Catfish is a hardy fish and easy to care for. Their special skills are eating algae off the surfaces of tanks and plants and helping to keep the water clean. These fish inhabit the bottom of rivers in Brazil, where there is a lot of plant growth in shallow waters.
What fish can go with my Otocinclus Catfish?
Otocinclus Catfish are non-aggressive by nature, but they have no means to protect themselves and this should be kept in mind when choosing tankmates. Otocinclus can do well with most other community fish tanks. They also do especially well with snails and freshwater shrimp. Popular choices for community tanks include:
● Cherry Barbs
● Danios
● Guppies.
What do Otocinclus Catfish eat?
The Otocinclus Catfish diet consists of eating algae and other small particles. These fish are herbivores which restricts what they can consume. It's best to feed these guys algae, because they're used to eating the same thing in their natural habitat. It would be a good idea for pet owners to also supplement with other things like veggies and plants. The Otocinclus Catfish will usually eat algae that grows on the tank walls, equipment, and plants. It doesn't take long for algae wafers to disappear, so be sure you replenish the supply every few days. Green vegetables are best- lettuce, spinach, and zucchini work well if chopped up in small pieces and dropped into the tank once or twice a week.
What else should I know about the Oto's?
Otocinclus catfish are shy and skittish creatures. This is not a problem, however, as they know to be wary of predators in their natural environment, so it makes the transition into captivity easier. Follow the correct guidelines for this fish and it should successfully adapt to an environment where Otocinclus Catfish can grow happy and healthy with all their needs met by food from above and healthy water levels. The Otocinclus Catfish is the perfect little fish to add to any tank, and with some love and care, they can live for many years. F.A.Q.
How many Otocinclus Catfish should be kept together?
Depending on the size of your tank, you can typically keep one per 10 gallons of water.
Do Otocinclus need live plants?
The Otocinclus Catfish do not need live plants, but they do enjoy live plants. Since they eat algae and other types of vegetation, it is preferred for them to have plants.
Stats
Scientifc Name: Otocinclus macrospilus
Origin: South America
Size: 2"
Diet: Herbivores
Temperament: Docile
Breeding: Egg-layer
DOA Policy
While this is a rare occurrence, it can and will happen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that every one will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fish arrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag within 2 hours of the delivery time of your fish. We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem.
We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We can replace fish but shipping costs is the responsibilityof the buyer. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures,within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolve the issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
Shipping Policy
Most Shipments will be UPS Next Day Air unless otherwise noted. Processing fish for your order can take up to 2 business days. This is to ensure your fish and healthy, happy, and ready to be put in your tank when it arrives. We ship fish on Mondays- Wednesday (excluding holidays) to ensure fish arrive before weekends. This allows us to completely prepare the fish for shipping and ensure they are healthy prior to arrive at your door. All fish will be shipped with oxygenated water and specific additives in the water to ensure they maintain their health and stability during shipment. Depending on the species of fish and current weather conditions, the fish may arrive with a heat pack or ice pack to maintain the optimal temperature which further ensures the health and safety of your fish. All costs of shipping (postage, packaging,heat/ice packs, etc.) are included in the Shipping fee. We ship to only the continental United States.
FAQ
"The fish I received do not look like the fish in thepicture. Why is this?"
- We typically take photographs of one or two fish when we initially get them in. Since we have a large quantity of most of the various species of fish, it would be understandably impossible to provide a picture ofevery individual fish with a specific species. For some of our more rare orlarger fish, the picture listed may be the actual fish that you are receiving.If this is the case, it will be designated by ?WYSIWYG?, meaning ?what you see,is what you get?.
"What happens if my fish arrive dead?"
- While this is a rare occurrence, it can and willhappen from time to time. Fish are live animals and we cannot ensure that everyone will arrive alive or remain alive. We do ask that if your fisharrives dead (DOA), submit a picture of the deceased fish that is in the bag.We will work quickly with you to resolve the problem. We will offer replacement fish for any losses, but do not offer refunds at this time. We will reship any replacement fish at the buyer's expense. If you put the fish in your tank and it dies or is not acting properly, please contact us, with pictures, within 24 hours. We will again, do everything in our power to resolvethe issue and ensure that you have a great experience with these fish.
"What if I'm not home when the fish arrive?"
- We will always provide you with a tracking number. While the fish are packaged to survive about 72+ hours within the shipping containers, we do ask that you make arrangements to arrive home to inspect your fish as soon as possible after they are delivered to your home. Itis always suggested to provide an area for the delivery person to place the boxthat is out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
"What do I do with my fish once I've unpacked them?"
- Like you would with any new fish, let the entire bag float in your tank for 15-30 minutes. This allows the temperature withinthe bag to adjust to the same as your tank and will reduce temperature shock onthe fish. After this time, you can add all of the fish and water that is in thebag into your tank. The products used within the water for shipping will notharm any existing fish within your tank and actually makes the transition foryour new fish a bit easier. After this, expect your new fish to take a few daysto become fully adjusted, this includes hiding, floating at the top, sinking tothe bottom, and not eating. After a few days, your new fish should be acting aswimming like they normally would. At this point, enjoy your aquarium!
"I want to return my new fish because x,y,z?"
- Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns.We do recommend contacting us via email with yourorder number and as much information as possible. We will try to assist you inresolving whatever the issue may be.
Packed nice, great customer service and the shippers keep their word. One was dead on arrival. Another one died within 24 hours. But, getting 6 out of eight thriving is excellent. I do highly recommend Consolidated fish farms.
I ordered two Otocinclus Catfish and compared to my last stellar experience, these results were subpar. I was sent three very small fish but one arrived doa. Shortly thereafter, one more died. All my parameters were good so I'm guessing the little guys were simply too small to handle the stress of shipping/adapting. However, the largest of the tiny fellows did survive and so far, is doing well. Disappointing but I would order from Consolidated Fish Farms Inc. again as past experiences have been very good.
I enjoy all the fish the oto’s are no exception.
Found the owner operator to be very friendly and knowledgeable. The selection is beyond expectation as well as the great pricing. Highly recommended.