Jumbo Otocinclus (LDA025)

Parotocinclus jumbo, known in the hobby as the Jumbo Otocinclus (LDA025), is a small, peaceful loricariid from the clear coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. Larger and more robust than the common Otocinclus, reaching around 6 cm, it sports an attractive mottled brown pattern and reddish fin highlights. It is an unfussy algae grazer that spends the day rasping biofilm and aufwuchs from wood, rocks and broad leaves. Keep it in a group of at least six in a mature, well-oxygenated tank with gentle flow, soft to moderately hard water, pH 6.0 to 7.5, and temperatures of 22 to 26 C. Its diet is chiefly vegetable: supplement natural algae with blanched vegetables, spirulina wafers and biofilm. Peaceful toward all tankmates, it suits planted community aquaria. Stable, clean water and steady food supply are the keys to long-term success.