All fish / Loricariidae

Mangaba otocinclus

Otocinclus mangaba

Also known as oto, otocinclus, dwarf sucker, mangaba oto, otocinclus catfish, ปลาซัคเกอร์แคระ, オトシンクルス, 小精灵鱼, 小猫鱼

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This is a small, slim armoured catfish with a sandy brown back, a pale belly and a dark stripe running along the side to a spot on the tail. People keep it for grazing soft algae and biofilm off plants and glass in planted community tanks. It is calm and does well with other small, gentle fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

21 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Herbivore: biofilm, soft algae, algae wafers, blanched courgette and spinach

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: upper Rio Tocantins basin and nearby Paraná headwaters

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on leaves and glass after a chasing courtship, much like other Otocinclus. Captive spawning is uncommon, and raising the tiny fry needs plenty of biofilm and very clean water.

Good to know

Most wild-caught otos arrive thin, so look for rounded bellies and feed extra vegetables while they settle in. It is easy to confuse with other Otocinclus species, which are often sold under one generic name.