Tiny Titans of Clean
The Otocinclus Catfish may be small, but they’re relentless. These nano suckermouths patrol every leaf and pane, stripping away algae with quiet efficiency. Peaceful, social, and perfect for planted tanks, they’re the unsung heroes of the aquarium world.
At Uncle Joe’s Fish Shed, our Otos are raised in healthy shoals, conditioned for stability, and released only in limited drops.
Nano powerhouse: 2 inches of nonstop algae control
Peaceful shoaler: Thrives in groups of 6+
Exclusive runs: Offered only when they meet boutique standards
Cool, rare, and gone fast — secure your Otos before the algae takes the throne.
Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.)
🐠 Species Snapshot
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Adult size ~1.5–2 inches
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Peaceful, plant‑safe algae grazer
🌡️ Tank Setup
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Temp: 72–79°F
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Size: 10+ gallons
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Planted tanks with driftwood, smooth rocks, biofilm growth
🍽️ Feeding
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Primarily soft algae and biofilm
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Supplement with blanched vegetables and algae wafers
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Sensitive to starvation — ensure constant food sources
👥 Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful shoaling fish, happiest in groups of 6+
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Works well with small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, shrimp
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Avoid aggressive tankmates
🧪 Care Notes
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Wild‑caught stock often arrives stressed — careful acclimation needed
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Weekly water changes (20–30%)
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Boutique‑raised for premium quality
🐣 Breeding Tips
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Rare in captivity; egg scatterers among plants or glass
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Fry require infusoria and biofilm — survival rates low without specialized setups
🚚 Boutique Delivery Raised in shoals, responsibly sourced, and offered only when they meet Uncle Joe’s standards.
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