Otocinclus

🐟 Otocinclus Marinae (Otocinclus mariae)

Keep your aquarium naturally clean and beautifully balanced with the hardworking Otocinclus Marinae. This small, peaceful sucker catfish is highly valued for its algae-eating ability and calm behaviour, making it an essential addition to planted and community aquariums.

Often called a “living algae cleaner,” Otocinclus Marinae spends its time gently grazing on glass, leaves, and décor, helping maintain a crystal-clear, natural-looking tank without disturbing plants or other fish.

🌿 Why Choose Otocinclus Marinae?

🧼 Excellent natural algae eater for planted tanks
🐟 Small, peaceful schooling catfish
🌿 Safe for delicate plants and aquascapes
👥 Best kept in groups for natural behaviour
⭐ Low-impact cleaner that supports tank health

When kept in a group, Otocinclus Marinae will constantly work across surfaces in a calm, synchronized manner, adding subtle movement while keeping algae under control.

📏 Care Requirements

🧬 Scientific Name: Otocinclus mariae
📛 Common Name: Otocinclus Marinae / Dwarf Otocinclus
🏠 Tank Size: 60L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: ~3–4 cm
🌡️ Temperature: 22–26°C
⚗️ pH Range: 6.0–7.5
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful
🍽️ Diet: Algae, biofilm, sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables
👥 Group Size: 6+ strongly recommended

Otocinclus Marinae thrive in mature, well-established aquariums with natural algae growth and stable water conditions. They prefer gentle flow and plenty of surfaces to graze on.

🐠 Compatibility

Ideal for peaceful community aquariums. Excellent tank mates include tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf gouramis, and shrimp. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may intimidate them.

⚠️ Important Notes

Otocinclus Marinae require mature tanks with a steady food source (natural algae and biofilm). They should never be added to newly set-up aquariums. Keeping them in groups is essential for confidence and natural behaviour.

The Otocinclus Marinae is a perfect choice for UK aquarists wanting a natural, peaceful algae-cleaning fish that supports a healthy, balanced planted aquarium.