Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Absolutely! Here's a detailed, emoji-enhanced guide to the Otocinclus Catfish—a beloved freshwater nano fish and algae eater perfect for planted aquariums. 🐟🌿

🐟 Otocinclus Catfish Overview

👁️🗨️ Appearance

• 📏 Size: Very small, slender-bodied

• 🎨 Color Pattern: Pale silver belly, darker top, with a black horizontal stripe running the length of the body

• 👄 Mouth: Suckermouth adapted for grazing algae

• 🐚 Armor: Bony plates rather than scales

• 🧠 Species Variety: Includes O. affinis, O. macrospilus, O. vittatus, and O. cocama (Zebra Oto 🦓)

😌 Behavior & Temperament

• 🧘 Temperament: Extremely peaceful and shy

• 🌿 Habitat Preference: Planted tanks with hiding spots

• 🐾 Activity: Mostly active during the day

• 🧼 Algae Cleaner: Constantly grazing on biofilm and soft algae

• 🧑🤝🧑 Social: Schooling fish—thrive in groups of 6 or more

🏠 Tank Requirements

🥗 Diet

Otocinclus are herbivorous grazers that feed primarily on soft algae and biofilm.

🍽️ Best Foods:

• 🍃 Soft green algae & diatoms (on glass, decor, leaves)

• 🥬 Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

• 🍘 Algae wafers (low protein)

• 🦠 Biofilm (natural microbial coating on tank surfaces)

⚠️ Not enough algae? Supplement their diet daily! Otos may starve in “too clean” tanks.

🐣 Breeding

• 👫 Sexing: Females are slightly plumper; males are slimmer

• 💕 Breeding in Captivity: Rare but possible in stable, peaceful, heavily planted aquariums

• 🪺 Spawning: Eggs laid on glass or plant leaves

• 👶 Fry: Very small; require infusoria, biofilm, or powdered veggie food

🤝 Tankmates

✅ Great with:

• 🐟 Tetras (e.g., Neon, Ember)

• 🐚 Corydoras

• 🐠 Guppies

• 🦐 Shrimp (Cherry, Amano)

• 🧘 Peaceful Rasboras & Danios

❌ Avoid:

• 🐊 Cichlids (aggressive or predatory types)

• 🪓 Betta (some may be territorial)

• 🐍 Loaches (may outcompete for food)

⚕️ Common Health Issues

Otocinclus are sensitive, especially when newly acquired.

🚨 Risks:

• 💀 Starvation: Common in new setups with little algae

• 💧 Poor water quality: Rapid swings in pH or ammonia can be fatal

• 😟 Stress: From lack of group mates or rough handling

• 🐛 Parasites: From wild-caught imports

✅ Tips:

• Quarantine new Otos

• Acclimate slowly to tank

• Keep in groups (6+)

• Ensure food availability

🧠 Fun Facts

• 🧼 One of the best algae eaters for nano planted tanks!

• 🦓 Otocinclus cocama (Zebra Oto) is the rarest and most expensive variant

• 🔁 They "scoot" along glass and leaves using their suckermouth

• ❄️ They’re sometimes called the “cleaning crew” of aquascapers

Would you like this in a PDF care sheet, infographic, or comparison chart with Bristlenose Plecos? I’d be happy to create one! 📝📊