{"product_id":"otocinclus-catfish-otos-2cm","title":"Otocinclus Catfish (\"Otos\") 2cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eOtocinclus catfish (commonly called \"Otos\") are peaceful, dwarf freshwater suckermouth catfish from South America that serve as excellent algae-eating champions for planted aquariums. Growing to only 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm), they are highly sought after because they efficiently clean surfaces without harming delicate plants, shrimp, or small fish. However, because they are mostly wild-caught and have specialized dietary needs, they require an established aquarium setup to survive and thrive long-term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecies Overview \u0026amp; Behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchooling Fish: They are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 4 to 6. Keeping them alone causes severe, fatal stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActivity Level: Unlike many nocturnal catfish, Otos are diurnal. You will see them actively buzzing around the tank during daytime hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnique Adaptation: They possess a specialized digestive tract that allows them to breathe atmospheric air if oxygen levels in the water drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDietary Requirements (Crucial Care Factor)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most common mistake hobbyists make is assuming Otos can live entirely off naturally occurring tank waste. Starvation is the leading cause of death for newly purchased Otocinclus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreferred Food: They specialize in eating soft green algae, brown diatoms, and organic biofilm growing on wood and leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat They Avoid: They will not eat tough algae types like Black Beard Algae (BBA) or Green Spot Algae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupplemental Feeding: In a clean tank, they quickly run out of food. You must feed them high-quality sinking Kelp or Algae Wafers and blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or carrots. Remove any uneaten vegetables after 24 hours to keep the water clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect Tank Mates vs. Fish to Avoid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they are completely defenseless, choosing the right tank mates is key.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent Companions: Caridina and Neocaridina Shrimp from Aquarium Co-Op, Snails, Guppies, Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, and Corydoras catfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDangerous Mates: Aggressive or large fish like Cichlids, Angels, Barbs, or large Goldfish that can easily fit an Oto into their mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best place to find otocinclus Catfish is from jasminaquaticsstore.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53429770387753,"sku":null,"price":14.25,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/4325\/2521\/files\/Micro-Pellets_20260816_003749_0000.png?v=1786826301","url":"https:\/\/jasminaquaticsstore.com\/ar\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otos-2cm","provider":"Jasmin Aquatics Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}