An Otocinclus Catfish is an amazing little scavenger for freshwater aquariums. Otocinclus Catfish may also be sold as: Otos, Oto Catfish, Otto Cats, Ottos, Dwarf Suckermouths, Dwarf Oto, Dwarf Ottos, Dwarf Suckers, Algae Scrapers, Macrotocinclus affinis and Otocinclus affinis. Although Otocinclus Catfish are algae eaters, they should not be confused with other similar looking fish also sold as “algae eaters” including: Chinese Algae Eaters, Siamese Algae Eaters and Siamese Flying Fox. Otocinclus also come in an a more rare variety: The Zebra Otocinclus. The Zebra Otocinclus is darker in color and has a more camouflaged look than the more common Oto Catfish.

In terms of Otocinclus Catfish care, Ottos should be added to a well established, mature, stable and clean aquarium in order to allow them the greatest chance of survival. Otocinclus Catfish like heavily planted tanks with a good amount of established algae growth, especially of the soft filmy and soft green varieties.

An Otocinclus feeds on soft algae buildup growing on hard surfaces of the tank. That’s why its important to make sure the tank is clean, but not “too clean”. Otocinclus food can also include supplements such as algae wafers and even some fresh vegetables like green zucchini slices.