Otocinclus negros

Otocinclus negros, scientific name Otothyropsis piribebuy (formerly Otocinclus sp. “Negros”), belongs to the family Loricariidae (Mail catfish). The catfish is native to South America. They are found in the small rivers Piribebuy and Aguaray Guasu in the Paraguay River basin on the territory of the eponymous state of Paraguay. Inhabits shallow sections of rivers with dense aquatic vegetation and numerous snags, underwater tree roots.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of about 3 cm. The fish has a dark color that helps to hide from predators in the shade of plant thickets. The color varies from gray to brownish. An additional means of protection is the hard integument of the body, covered with small spines.

Due to the peculiarities of the diet, the mouth has acquired the shape of a sucker and is located on the lower part of the head.

Behavior and Compatibility

Prefers to be in the company of relatives. When kept alone, it becomes shy and secretive. Compatible with many peaceful fish of comparable size, such as Corydoras, Tetrs, small Cyprinids (zebrafish, rasboras), dwarf cichlids, as well as other Otocincluss.

Food

The basis of the diet in the wild is algae and the organisms inhabiting them. In a home aquarium, it is important to ensure that adequate food sources are available. These can be specialized plant foods based on algae in the form of tablets, briquettes or flakes, pieces of green vegetables and fruits (spinach, zucchini, blanched peas, etc.).

An important addition will be small invertebrates, such as fresh or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia.

The presence of natural snags in the design is welcome, which are often the place of natural growth of algae.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 18-24°C
• Value pH — 5.5–7.5
• Water hardness – 2–15 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement is weak
• The size of the fish is about 3 cm.
• Nutrition – plant-based food, algae
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for a group of 8-10 catfish starts from 40 liters. In the design, it is necessary to provide for areas with dense thickets of plants and piles of snags. Subdued lighting, floating vegetation will serve as an effective means of shading.

Being a native of the subtropics, Otocinclus Negros needs relatively cool water with a temperature not exceeding 23–24 ° C. Sensitive to the accumulation of organic waste. Maintenance of the aquarium should be regular with a weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh and uninterrupted operation of the filtration system.