Red fin otocinclus

Parotocinclus maculicauda

Also known as Maculicauda oto

FreshwaterFish

Red fin otocinclus (Parotocinclus maculicauda) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 2.4 in (6 cm)
Minimum tank: 14 gal (54 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Coastal southeastern Brazil
Family: Loricariidae

Overview

The red fin otocinclus is a small, hardy grazing catfish and a classic of the hobby, best kept in a social group of six or more. It works the bottom and lower surfaces, rasping biofilm and soft algae from stone, wood, and leaves, and it is completely peaceful and community safe. It tolerates cooler water than most tropical fish, so it suits calm, temperate-leaning communities. Keep the tank mature enough to grow film and supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables. It appreciates clean, well-oxygenated water over stones and plants, and a group settles comfortably in a tank of around 54 liters.

In the wild

Parotocinclus maculicauda is native to the cooler coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil, from Santa Catarina to Espirito Santo, grazing over rock and wood among submerged plants. Set the tank up with smooth stones, driftwood, and planting to build grazing surface, over sand or fine gravel. Keep the water on the mild side, 22 to 27 C, and around pH 6.0 to 7.5, clean and gently flowing. It handles the lower end of that range better than most catfish, matching its subtropical home.

Good to know

Parotocinclus maculicauda is a dwarf catfish in Loricariidae, reaching about 6 centimeters, grey with faintly red-tinted fin spines and a dark blotch at the tail base. The species name maculicauda means spotted tail, after that mark. Breeding is of moderate difficulty; it scatters its eggs on surfaces and gives no parental care, so soft, acidic water and a mature grazing tank help the fry through.

Did you know

In one southeastern Brazilian stream this little grazer turned invader. Introduced outside its native range, it gradually displaced the much larger native common pleco over about fifteen years, a rare case of a tiny suckermouth pushing out a big one.