Dwarf suckermouth catfish a.k.a oto cat
otocinclus affinis

It belongs to the family Loricariidae

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Origin:
Southeast Brazil

Description:
A slender catfish with a suckermouth. A fairly high dorsal fin, but no adipose fins. About 1 ½ inches in length (4cm).

Color:
A base color that is light greenish gray to a muddy yellow. The fins have no color, or in some cases a light green.

Sexual distinction:
Mature females will be much bulkier.

Tank conditions:
Needs a current of some kind. So you can’t just have one in a bowl that doesn’t have a filter current, or current from a bubble curtain. Temperature 68-73 degrees Fahrenheit (20-23 Celsius). The ph and hardness ratings are not that important. The tank should be well planted with lots of hiding places.

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And don’t worry about the plants, the oto cat a.k.a dwarf suckermouth catfish will eat the algae that grows on them. That brings me to my next subject.

Food:
Will mainly eat vegetation, will also eat very small worms. Most people often buy the oto cat a.k.a dwarf suckermouth catfish to eat the algae growing in their tank, which it will earn it’s keep by doing.

Behavior:
Usually remains under cover during the day, most active at dusk and during the night, which is it’s normal feeding time. Will attach it self to the sides of vertical slabs of rock, plant leaves and stems or the side of the glass.

Sexual reproduction:
A difficult fish to breed, but what I’ve learned is that they breed similar to Corydoras. The eggs hatch after 2-3 days. The fry should be feed baby brine shrimp (artemia nauplii) micro worms or egg yolk powdered very very fine.

Compatibility:
Somewhat territorial but harmless. They will be just fine in a mixed aquarium when enough room is given.

Striped Suckermouth Catfish
hemiancistrus vittatus

It belongs to the family Loricariidae.

Description:
Looks like most common Plecostomus, large low-set sucking mouth that is surrounded by fleshy lips.
Broad and flat pectoral and pelvic fins. Long, high, banner like dorsal fin. The mouth has barbels. The striped suckermouth catfish will get up to 4” in length.

Color:
Light green base, with black dots and yellow and black stripes on it’s fins.

Sexual distinctions:
The males will probably have whisker-like appendages on it’s head.

Tank conditions:
Temperature 70-77 degrees Fahrenheit (21-25 Celsius) Ph should be a neutral to slightly acidic rating. Soft to medium hard. The tank should have medium to hard lighting with a sandy bottom with plenty of hiding place among roots and other various decorations.

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Heavily planted with plants that are not too feathery, strong plants that can take a beating.

Food:
Here I can not say enough that no matter how many plants you have in your tank to please feed the striped suckermouth catfish at least 2 algae discs or wafers a week. They will get food from the tank but they need this extra. But on with the food. The striped suckermouth catfish eats algae and other vegetable matter. Will adjust to commercial food well, but plenty of plant matter is recommended.

Behavior:
Will mainly stay on the bottom of the tank that has running water. Is territorial, and aggressive with other members of its species. With age can become even more aggressive.

Compatibility:
Will work well with other species and gentle around even the smallest of fish.

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