The Good Algae Eating Fish Freshwater Aquariums: Zebra Otocinclus

The Good Algae Eating Fish Freshwater Aquariums: Zebra Otocinclus – Named for the Cocama-Cocamilla Indian tribes that used to be dominant in the low Ucayali and lower Marañon area of Peru, tropical fish also refers to as the Tiger oto or Zebra oto Otocinclus cocama keeping enthusiasts.

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The Good Algae Eating Fish Freshwater Aquariums: Zebra Otocinclus

Colour of the body is beige-grey. There are transverse, dark stripes on the sides of the fish. These stripes are dashed and they create a pattern like a zebra's stripes. The head of the fish is nearly completely dark. The fish has beige-yellow under side. The caudal fin has shadowy edge which looks like ”w” letter. When they are sexually matured, the sex of the fish may be comprehended. Female is thicker than man in the ventral parts.

The fish is available in small to mid size tributaries as well as in the slow flowing marginal zones of bigger rivers, clear water creeks of the Ucayali River and possibly the Marañón River. They appear in large numbers in areas with grasses or aquatic vegetation growning usually near the surface among the plant life in the top portion of the water column.

Diet

Vegetarian, it feeds on aufwuch and algae in its habitat. Once acclimated, it's going to feed from sinking foods like algae, spirulina, kelp tablets and discs. Vegetables like cucumber, blanched spinach and zucchini could be offered. It will eat other foods but mustn't be fed a diet lacking in vegetable (algae, etc) matter.

Distribution and Habitat

This fish is available in Peru in the Ucayali River and perhaps Marañón River at the same time. These fish are seen in mid sized creeks with water that is clear. Marginal vegetation is associated with by them.

Attention

This lovely miniature Loricariid is a great species to get a peaceful softwater put aquarium. In the wild it's located at the margins of clearwater creeks amongst dense vegetation. This is a peaceful fish that's best kept in great sized groups (6 ) in a mature aquarium with lots of shady hiding areas amongst plants, driftwood, and slate caves.

Avert tankmates which are at feeding times, as these shy small catfish, boisterous WOn't compete well. As with other Otocinclus, this species can be quite delicate when first imported - consistently ensure new arrivals are well rested, and quarantine any new purchases to make certain they settle in nicely before adding to the principal aquarium.

Tank Mates

The Zebra oto may be distinguished from other members of Otocinclus by its blotchy vertical stripes and its particular lateral line that is entire. The Zebra oto has the most variety of teeth of any species of Otocinclus, and except for Otocinclus batmani, the “W” looking mark on its caudal fin differentiates the Zebra oto from all other species of Otocinclus.

Breeding

This is an oviparous species. We don’t have some information about breeding these fish. They may be imported and they really slowly adapt to life in captivity. They can die with no motive within six weeks after putting them in the aquarium. You have to create for these fish anxiety-free conditions and feed them great quality and varied food made of vegetables and plants.