All fish / Loricariidae

Tapirape Otocinclus

Otocinclus tapirape

Also known as tapirape oto, otocinclus tapirape, oto catfish, dwarf sucker catfish, otto, オトシンクルス, 小精灵

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A small, slender sucker-mouthed catfish with a mottled brown back, a dark stripe along the flank and a pale belly. It is kept for its gentle nature and for grazing soft algae and biofilm off plants and glass in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Herbivore: biofilm, soft algae, blanched vegetables, algae wafers

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Tapirapé and upper Araguaia/Tocantins basin

Breeding

Eggs are scattered singly on plants and glass after cory-like spawning behaviour, with no parental care. Breeding is rarely reported for this species and is considered difficult, with fry needing a steady supply of biofilm.

Good to know

Wild-caught imports are often underfed and prone to losses, so quarantine and offer mature, algae-rich tanks. Easily confused with other Otocinclus species sold under generic oto names.