Dwarf otocinclus

The dwarf otocinclus is a small suckermouth catfish of the family Loricariidae, native to streams of southeastern South America. It has a slim, mottled brown-and-cream body with a dark lateral stripe and a ventral sucker mouth used to graze algae from surfaces. It is a peaceful, retiring fish that should be kept in groups of at least six, where it grazes actively during the day. It poses no threat to plants or tankmates and is a valued algae eater in community tanks. A mature, well-oxygenated planted tank with stable water and biofilm-covered surfaces is essential, as this species struggles in newly set up aquariums. Its diet must be supplemented with algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and biofilm once natural algae is depleted. Captive breeding is occasional and requires soft, clean water.