What size tank do otocinclus need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Otocinclus vittatus.
How many otocinclus in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if otocinclus are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many otocinclus |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 14 |
| 29 gallon | up to 20 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 28 |
| 55 gallon | up to 39 |
| 75 gallon | up to 53 |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check otocinclus against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Add only to a mature tank with algae to graze.
- Keep at least 4. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for otocinclus
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Platy
- Harlequin rasbora
- Honey gourami
- Guppy
- Neon tetra
- Celestial pearl danio
- Glowlight tetra
- Black neon tetra
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as otocinclus.
- Molly: They need different water: Otocinclus likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do otocinclus need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many otocinclus should be kept together?
At least 4. Otocinclus are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can otocinclus live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Otocinclus needs at least 15 gallons (57 liters).
What temperature do otocinclus need?
72–79 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can otocinclus live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 15 gallons (57 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Peppered corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
- Pygmy corydoras
- Bristlenose pleco
- Common pleco
- Clown pleco
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.