Otocinclus affinis

Otocinclus affinis or common otocinclus is probably one of the smallest aquarium chainmail catfish in the Loricariidae family. In an aquarium, their size usually does not exceed 3-3.5 cm. In nature, they grow slightly larger - up to 5 cm.

The natural habitat of otocinclus is water bodies in the southeast of Brazil. These are mainly shallow, slowly flowing rivers and lakes with fairly clean water, abundantly overgrown with aquatic vegetation.

This fish has an elongated body, flattened from the belly side. The main color of the body is silver with a dull yellowish tint. On the dark gray back there are lighter stripes and small dark brown or gray spots. The abdomen is characterized by a yellowish tint. A wide dark stripe runs along the entire body. The fins have a slight green sheen.

Despite their small size, otocinclus are considered to be one of the most effective destroyers of algae growth on aquarium glass and driftwood. At the same time, they usually do not damage the leaves of aquarium plants. That is why many aquarists keep them, preferring otcinclus to many other types of aquarium algae eaters.

The maintenance of these fish is not at all difficult. I would like to note only the fact that it is best to keep otocinclus in a group.

Recommended parameters for maintenance:
Aquarium with a volume of 50 liters with a large number of live plants
Temperature: from 21 to 27 ° C
Acidity (pH): 7.0 - 7.8
Weak water circulation.
It is necessary to replace 30-50% of the water with fresh water weekly.