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Zebra Otocinclus
Otocinclus cocama
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Siluriformes›Loricariidae
📍 Río Ucayali, Peru
Striking otocinclus with bold zebra-like black and white stripes. Rarer and more expensive than common otos but equally good algae eaters.
Care Guide
Diet
Zebra Otocinclus are primarily herbivorous and feed on biofilm, algae, and plant matter. Supplement their natural grazing with high-quality algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional small amounts of quality sinking pellets 3-4 times weekly. They rarely accept prepared foods initially but will adapt with patience and consistent feeding.
Behavior
These peaceful bottom-dwellers are nocturnal and spend most daylight hours hiding among plants and décor. They are social fish that thrive in groups of 4 or more, displaying more confidence and natural behavior when kept with their own kind. Expect minimal interaction with other fish; they are best observed during evening hours when they become more active.
Breeding
Breeding Zebra Otocinclus in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require very specific water conditions, excellent water quality, and likely need trigger factors such as seasonal temperature drops and increased food availability. Most captive specimens are wild-caught, making successful breeding a significant challenge even for experienced aquarists.
Tank Mates
Same species; they are social and benefit from group dynamics with compatible otocinclus varieties
Small, peaceful fish with identical water parameter requirements; occupy different tank zones
Tiny, non-aggressive species that share preference for soft, acidic water and similar temperature range
Peaceful invertebrates that occupy similar bottom zone; ensure adequate hiding spaces for both
Larger shrimp that won't compete aggressively; both benefit from algae-rich environments
Peaceful dwarf cichlid but may occasionally harass small otocinclus; monitor behavior closely
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform frequent water changes, use ich-specific medication if needed; maintain excellent water quality
Bacterial Infection
Torn or frayed fins, sores on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite
Perform 25-50% water changes daily, improve water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic medication if severe; isolate affected fish if possible
Gill Parasites
Rapid gill movement, gasping at surface, reduced appetite, lethargy
Improve oxygenation and water quality immediately, perform frequent water changes, use antiparasitic medication designed for sensitive fish species
Starvation/Malnutrition
Thin body, reduced activity, pale coloration, inability to compete for food
Ensure adequate algae growth in tank, supplement with quality algae wafers and blanched vegetables, feed in evening when fish are active
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- diet
- herbivore/biofilm
- maxSize
- 1.8 inches
- minTankSize
- 10 gallons
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
Temperature
72–79°F
22–26°C