Dwarf otocinclus

About

Dwarf otocinclus (Otocinclus affinis) are small, industrious catfish native to the coastal drainages near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they browse algae from submerged surfaces in slow to moderately moving water. They rarely exceed two inches in adulthood, with a slender, torpedo-shaped body marked by a dark lateral stripe running from snout to tail. That modest size makes them a natural choice for planted tanks, where they work methodically across leaves, glass, and hardscape without disturbing the plants themselves. Like others in the genus, they are capable of gulping air at the surface when oxygen levels dip, which is a handy adaptation in the sluggish backwaters they call home. In the aquarium, otos are entirely peaceful and spend much of their day plastered to flat surfaces. Including the front glass, which gives you frequent close-up views of their ventral side. They are primarily nocturnal but will forage during the day, and can bolt in a sudden burst of speed if startled out of a rest. Keep them in groups of at least five, as solitary individuals tend to fare poorly. Despite their hardy-looking build, they are sensitive to water quality swings, which puts them in the intermediate care bracket rather than the beginner column.