Otocinclus Affinis The Most Diligent Algae Eaters Fish

Otocinclus affinis from Brazil, living in swift river wing with moss growing on rocks. Otocinclus affinis (4 cm) is the smallest Otocinclus types and most diligent algae eaters without damaging the leaves. The picture above is Otocinclus affinis on Vallisneria. Otocinclus affinis healthy life in the aquarium with clear water and a temperature of 20-26 ° C.

Otocinclus affinis is a small (2") algae-eating fish which is perfect for the tropical freshwater aquarium. It is a diligent worker, doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body, and is fun to watch interact with others in a group. Other names for otocinclus are "otos", or "dwarf suckermouth catfish".

Otocinclus should be constantly pooping. In fact, most fish from the family Loricariidae are big poopers. Since otocinclus are mainly herbivores they need massive quantities of greens to keep them healthy. The best form of this is the soft green algae that is sometimes difficult to see. A fat oto is a happy oto!

If your Otocinclus affinis is slim in any sense of the word then you need to supplement their diet with zucchini or spinach, or figure out a way to grow more algae.

Top Algae Eaters for Fish Tank

The algae problem on fish tanks generally arise due to excess nitrate, too many fish, rarely replace the water, the filter is dirty and rarely cleaned, or unbalance between the forces of light and carbon dioxide dose. One of the preventive measures you can do to suppress the growth of algae is to include the type of algae eater into the tank.

Species of fish such as Otocinclus affinis, Crossocheilus siamensis and Gyrinocheilus aymonieri are examples of the fish types are effective for cleaning brown algae and green algae new growth.

Therefore, insert the fresh water algae eaters, two or three days after the aquarium is installed. The algae-eater fish is inserted into the aquarium with ratio of 1 fish to 25-50 liters of water.

If we insert two algae-eating fish into the tank containing 500 liters of water for example, then this is useless. Because, even if the fish are "working overtime" 24 hours a day, will not effectively handle the existing algae. The algae eater will be effective when working in groups.