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Zebra Otocinclus

Otocinclus cocama

Freshwater South America

A stunning, zebra-striped dwarf suckermouth catfish that grazes tirelessly on soft algae and biofilm. It is much more delicate than standard otos and requires pristine, highly oxygenated water alongside an established aquarium, as it will rapidly starve without ample natural biofilm growth.

4.4 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 6 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 4.4 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 60 L, at least 60 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 5 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 1 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 22 to 26 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6 to 7.2 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 2 to 10, KH 1 to 4 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size At least 6, ideally 10 Kept alone or in small numbers it hides, fades or turns on tankmates.
Temperament Peaceful Not territorial.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 4 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Experienced keepers only A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Zebra Otocinclus is an herbivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

No close matches in the data. Check the pair tool.

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.