Dwarf Sucking Catfish
By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.
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.
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.
To learn more about freshwater aquariums, see:
- Aquariums
- Aquarium Basics
- How to Choose Aquarium Equipment
- How to Set Up an Aquarium
- How to Maintain an Aquarium
- How to Choose Aquarium Fish
- How to Care for Aquarium Fish
- Freshwater Aquarium Fish
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