Also known as oto cats, otocinclus catfish are some of the smallest aquarium fish out there and also some of the best algae eaters. Read on to learn more about them!
You may know of them as oto cats, but the full name is Ocotinclus. Otocinclus are a genus of catfish native to South America and some species are quite common in the aquarium hobby. These catfish are known for eating algae and for being much smaller than some of the other more popular algae-eating species of fish. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep.
The otocinclus may be small, but it is a powerful algae eater and an all-around friendly addition to the community tank. Read on to learn more about this small but mighty species.
Basic Facts on the Ocotinclus
The name Otocinclus applies to an entire genus of catfish belonging to the family Loricariidae. These fish are native to South America where they are commonly found in small to medium-sized streams with moderate water flow. They tend to spend their time in areas of marginal vegetation, particularly among grasses with plants with small leaves, but can also be seen in shoals swimming in open water.
Scientists have identified around 20 species of Ocotinclus, though some are more common in the aquarium trade than others. Here is a list of those species:
Otocinclus affinis
Otocinclus arnoldi
Otocinclus batmani
Otocinclus bororo
Otocinclus caxarari
Otocinclus cocama
Otocinclus flexilis
Otocinclus hoppei
Otocinclus huaorani
Otocinclus juruenae
Otocinclus macrospilus
Otocinclus mangaba
Otocinclus mariae
Otocinclus mimulus
Otocinclus mura
Otocinclus tapirape
Otocinclus vestitus
Otocinclus vittatus
Otocinclus xakriaba
Otocinclus catfish are also known as oto cats, though some species have their own names. Two of the most common species in the aquarium trade are Otocinclus vittatus and Otocinclus macrospilus. Otocinclus cocama is known...
Also known as the mystery snail, apple snails are a popular addition to the freshwater tank. Read on to learn more about common species and their care.
Keeping the water quality in your aquarium is one of your most important responsibilities as an aquarium hobbyist. Your fish require clean, clear water and that means removing detritus from the tank before it can negatively affect your water quality. Rather than performing daily water changes, consider adding a cleanup crew to your tank to do the work for you – apple snails are a great choice.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the apple snail and its role in the home aquarium. We’ll explore some of the more popular species and provide tips for how to care for them.
The Basics About Apple Snails
The apple snail is the largest freshwater snail species and a popular addition to the home aquarium. Unlike pond snails which are a nuisance, apple snails are welcomed by aquarium hobbyists for their scavenging habits. Often included in an aquarium cleanup crew, apple snails feed on algae and other detritus in the aquarium, helping to keep the tank clean.
Though apple snail is the most common name, these freshwater snails are also known as mystery snails. They belong to the family Ampullariidae in the class Gastropoda. The snails in this family are unique because they have a lung and a gill, so their mantle cavity is divided to separate these two respiratory structures. To put it more simply, apple snails have unique anatomical adaptations which allows them to be amphibious – they can live both on land and in water.
Breeding aquarium fish can be tricky, but with the right tank setup and preparation it can be done. Read on to learn about the top 5 tetras for breeding and how to do it right.
Tetras are a group of small freshwater fish that come in a wide range of colors. These fish are great for beginners because they are typically easy to care for and most species get along well with tankmates.
What may not be so easy about keeping tetras is encouraging them to breed. Compared to livebearers like swordtails and guppies, tetras are much trickier to spawn, though it certainly can be done. It takes a certain tank setup and dedicated care to protect fry until they are big enough to fend for themselves.
In this article, we’ll explore the subject of setting up your tank for tetra breeding and provide tips for spawning and caring for the fry. We’ll also provide an overview of the top 5 tetras for breeding.
Setting Up the Tank for Success
When you think about fish that are easy to breed, species like swordtails, cichlids, and guppies come to mind. Compared to these fish, tetras are not “easy” to spawn. There are, however, some species of tetra that are easier to spawn than others and, with the right setup and care, it can be done.
A single pair of tetras is capable of producing several dozen eggs in one spawning attempt, but you have to start with the right tank setup and proper conditioning. The best thing to do is condition a school of tetras in a community tank using high-quality flakes and freeze-dried foods. If you really want to accelerate the process, use live foods like worms and...
An overview of tropical fish tanks, what they are, and the pros/cons of keeping one.
FRESHWATER AQUARIUM ARTICLES
AQUARIUM SETUP
If you want to maintain a healthy, thriving aquarium you must be sure to set up your tank properly the first time. The articles in this category will help you set up your tank correctly.
Cultivating a freshwater aquarium can be an enjoyable experience but there are also a number of safety concerns to be aware of when keeping a fish tank.
Cultivating a planted tank is different from cultivating a fish-only tank. The articles in this category will help you learn how to setup a planted tank and what you need to do to keep your plants healthy.
Cultivating a freshwater planted tank is hard work and the last thing you want is to have all of that hard work destroyed by adding the wrong fish to your tank.
The aquarium lighting system you choose for your tank will not only affect your tanks appearance but its performance as well. The articles in this category will help you choose the right system for your tank and will provide you with the information you need to make the most of your aquarium lighting.
Choosing the right lighting system for your freshwater tank is a very important decision.
HEATING AND FILTRATION
Heating and filtration are two key elements in keeping your aquarium running properly. The articles in this category will help you choose the right heating and filtration system for your tank.
What you choose to feed your fish will have a direct impact on their health and vitality. The articles in this category will help you understand the nutritional needs of your aquarium fish and will also provide the information you need to create a healthy, balanced diet for your fish.
Understanding freshwater fish diseases is the key to treating and preventing them. The articles in this category will help you deal with freshwater fish diseases and they will also teach you how to prevent them.
One of the most exciting parts about having an aquarium is choosing the decorations. The articles in this category will provide you with the information you need to make your tank look its best.
One of the most attractive ways you can decorate an aquarium involves a combination of driftwood and live plants.
STOCKING THE TANK
The fish you choose to stock your tank is not a decision that should be made lightly. The articles in this category will help you understand the basics of fish compatibility and will provide you with other information you need to make an informed decision when stocking your tank.
Most of the gobies kept in the home aquarium are saltwater fish but there are still a few freshwater gobies that make excellent additions to the home tank.
Breeding aquarium fish can be a challenge unless you are equipped with the proper knowledge. The articles in this category will help you to succeed in breeding your aquarium fish.
You may be aware that there are over 30 species of betta fish in existence but did you know that these species can be divided by their breeding habits?
