All fish / Loricariidae

Huaorani Otocinclus

Otocinclus huaorani

Also known as huaorani oto, otocinclus huaorani, dwarf oto, otto cat, oto catfish, huaorani dwarf sucker, オトシンクルス・フアオラニ, 小精灵鱼

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A tiny armoured sucker-mouth catfish with a mottled brown back, pale belly and dark blotches rather than the clear lateral stripe of common otos. It is kept for its gentle nature and its habit of grazing algae and biofilm from plants and glass in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Herbivore: biofilm, soft algae, blanched vegetables such as courgette, algae wafers and occasional small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Brazil (Napo and Marañón drainages)

Breeding

Eggs are laid singly on plant leaves or glass after chasing by males, often prompted by cooler water changes. Spawning in captivity happens occasionally, but raising the fry needs plenty of biofilm and fine foods.

Good to know

Wild-caught imports are often thin and stressed, so pick plump fish and quarantine carefully in a mature tank. It is easily confused with other Otocinclus species, which are frequently sold under mixed names.