Order Siluriformes
Family Loricariidae
Subfamily Hypoptopomatinae
Genus Otocinclus
— Maria’s dwarf sucker catfish — Otocinclus mariae [Fowler, 1940]. Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay. 4 cm. Very similar to O. vittatus and O. hasemani. Females are larger and broader, especially when viewed from above. They clean plants from algae overgrowth. Their mouth consists of 4 plates, which they use to scrape algae off rocks or aquarium walls. By the way, algae make up the bulk of their diet. The aquarium should be well planted, with driftwood and hiding places necessary. Tolerates dissolved nitrogen compounds poorly.
Due to their small size and peaceful nature, tank mates must be small and peaceful. Under no circumstances should they be kept together with sucker-mouth cats, cichlids (even small and non-predatory ones), or other algae-eaters. Filtration should be strong, preferably through peat, with aeration and weekly water changes required. pH 5.5-7.5; T 21-26°C.
— Otocinclus mura — Otocinclus mura [Schaefer, 1997]. Brazil, Amazon basin. 4 cm. Body typical for Otocinclus, belly flattened. Head triangular when viewed from above. Body brownish-ocher, darker in the upper part and paler below the lateral line. Belly almost spot-free and very pale.
From the tip of the snout to the base of the caudal fin runs a very dark, almost black stripe that is not interrupted. This line is uniform in thickness, except for the dorsal region where it is slightly larger, and in the head where it is wider. There are few speckles at the base of the caudal fin. The base of the dorsal fin has light, darker, expansive spots. Two dark horizontal lines pass through it.
Anal fin with dark pigmentation at the base, unbranched. Pectoral fins with 5 speckles at the lower base. Caudal fin with two dark lines, the second line runs almost along the edge and is less dark than the first. In general, the caudal peduncle is somewhat wider than in other Otocinclus species.
Coloration similar to O. vestitus. The wide, continuous lateral stripe is wider than in O. vestitus. Keep in a group of 5 or more individuals. Water with high oxygen saturation. Omnivorous, although most of its food will be of plant origin, especially brown and green algae. pH 5.6-7.2; T 22-27°C.
— Otocinclus vittatus — Otocinclus vittatus [Regan, 1904]. (Eng. Dwarf Sucker). (LDA 23). Inhabits rivers with vegetation-covered bottoms in southeastern Brazil, Peru, and Paraguay. 4 cm. Elongated body shape, slightly flattened top-to-bottom, especially in the chest and belly region. The body of the otocinclus (except for the belly) is covered with bony plate outgrowths. Mouth in the form of a sucker. An adipose fin is present. In addition to gill respiration, they also have intestinal respiration, allowing these catfishes to breathe atmospheric oxygen.
Main coloration ranges from gray-green to gray-brown. Back is dark gray with a deep green tint, belly is silvery-white. A black stripe runs along the entire body, starting from the snout and ending at the base of the caudal fin with an elongated dark spot. There are dark spots on the caudal fin itself.
Other fins are transparent, colorless. The female is larger and fuller than the male. Very similar to O. mariae and O. hasemani. Differs in that the black lateral stripe extends onto the caudal fin. Best distinguished visually when all three are together.
A typical bottom-dweller. An undemanding, peaceful, and relatively passive fish. It is best to keep them in a group of at least 5-6 individuals. Due to their small size and peaceful nature, tank mates must be small and peaceful. Becomes active at dusk. Cleans aquarium walls and plants from overgrowth.
The aquarium should be well planted with vegetation, driftwood and hiding places, clay pots, and large round stones are necessary. Medium-sized sand is used as substrate. Requires very clean water. Tolerates dissolved nitrogen compounds poorly. Filtration, aeration, and weekly water changes are necessary.
Otocinclus vittatus consumes plant matter (lettuce leaves, peeled vegetables: zucchini, potatoes, cucumbers, and carrots) and live food, as well as quality commercial substitutes. Reach sexual maturity at 6-8 months. Lifespan up to 5 years. T 23-27°C; dH 5-15°; pH 5.5-7.5.
Identification: Otocinclus vittatus.
Parotocinclus cristatus, haroldoi, jimi, jumbo, maculicauda, spilosoma.
Otocinclus flexilis, hoppei, huaorani, macrospilus. 
