Dwarf sucker - Otocinclus cocama

Scientific name: Otocinclus cocama

Common name: Dwarf sucker

Family: Loricariidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.3 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 28 °C (68 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food

The Dwarf Sucker is mostly herbivorous and they prefer algae and vegetables. They will accept softened peas, zucchini and spirulina. Algae wafers and pellets are good supplements when algae are not plentiful in the aquarium. Dwarf Suckers can be conditioned to accept a variety of other foods such as flakes and freeze-dried worms.

Sexing

Male Dwarf Suckers tend to be slightly smaller than females. The females are plumper when viewed from above, especially when she is full of eggs. The males also have extensions of their genitalia that become apparent when fully mature.

Breeding

Little is known on the breeding habits of these egg layers. The fry need to be fed lots of veggies to promote good health.

Lifespan

This species has a life expectancy of 4-5 years.

Origin

The Dwarf Sucker is endemic to Peru in South America. They are mainly found in the Ucayali River which branches off the Amazon River.

Short Description

The Dwarf Sucker is also commonly known as the Zebra Oto. This is a great algae eating species to keep in smaller aquariums because they do not grow to be as large as some algae eating species such as the common pleco or the Chinese algae eater.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.