Edit Otocinclus macrospilus
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Name
Scientific name
Otocinclus macrospilus
Described by
Authority Eigenmann & Allen, Year 1942
Family
Loricariidae
Summary
Otocinclus macrospilus, one of the commoner otos in the hobby, is a small loricariid endemic to parts of the Upper Amazon in Peru. It is fr…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
35mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 21–26°C, pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–12dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries
Peru
Supporting text
Etymology
Otocinclus: Derived from the Greek oto (ear) and kinklis (grid), an allusion to the perforated post-temporal bone, reminiscent of an eardrum. Some sources give…
Distribution
Endemic to parts of the Upper Amazon in Peru. Several sources also include the Nanay and Maranon basins, and Colombia (Amazon, Japura and Caqueta basins) and E…
Habitat
Inhabits dense patches of marginal vegetation in streams, creeks and river. It's also found in large numbers on the floating mats of vegetation commonly known …
Aquarium size
Base dimensions of 45 ∗ 30 cm18 ∗ 12 in or equivalent should be the smallest considered
Maintenance
Ideally keep it in a heavily planted setup with broad-leaved plants, driftwood branches and, if you wish vertical rock surfaces. The choice of substrate is not…
Water conditions
Temperature: 21 – 26 °C70 – 79 °F pH: 5.5-7.5 Hardness: 1-12°H
Diet
It feeds primarily on algae and other microrganisms in nature. In captivity the bulk of the diet should be composed of vegetable matter in both fresh (courgett…
Behaviour and compatibility
Very shy and retiring, to the point that it will be out-competed for food by more vigorous species. It's best kept with small, peaceful characins, dwarf cichli…
Sexual dimorphism
Most easily sexed by looking at the fish from above. When viewed like this, mature females appear broader in the body.
Reproduction
Has been achieved, but unfortunately very few details are available. Spawning occurs in a similar style to Corydoras species, with the fish forming the classic…
Notes
This is one of the commoner "otos" seen in the hobby, and is likely the one most frequently offered as an "oto." It is an ideal species for the planted aquariu…
References
References
5 on this profile