Dwarf Sucking Catfish

Dwarf Sucking Catfish
Dwarf Sucking Catfish -- otocinclus affinis
© Aaron Norman

Scientific name: Otocinclus affinis

The Dwarf Sucking Catfish is a small suckermouth catfish, growing to 1.5 inches. It is active during the day if there are hiding places among the plants. A water temperature between 68º and 78º Fahrenheit, a pH between 5.5 and 7.2, and water that is relatively soft to moderately hard will be fine.

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Although the Dwarf Sucking Catfish does consume algae on the plant leaves and tank glass, this fish also needs to have flake foods with a high vegetable-matter content. Some hobbyists feel that this is the ideal algae-eater for community aquariums. This species does the job well without disturbing plants, it's small and inconspicuous, and it doesn't disturb its tankmates.

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