Dwarf Sucker Catfish (Otocinclus spp.) Import
R80,00
The Otocinclus, often called the “Oto” or “Dwarf Sucker,” is a small, peaceful freshwater catfish prized for its algae-eating abilities and gentle nature. Native to South America, these social fish thrive in groups and are ideal for planted and community aquariums.
All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
Out of stock
- Delivery & Return
Delivery
We ship all over South Africa. Once your order has been dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number to monitor the status of your delivery.Important Notes
- During December, delivery times may be longer than usual due to increased demand and holiday schedules.
- Please ensure that your delivery address is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or issues.
Return Policy
If you need to return an item, please follow these steps:- Email us at judysplantedtanks@gmail.com to request a return.
- If approved, we'll action your return within 7 working days.
- You'll receive a Return Notification email once the return has been completed.
- Refunds will be processed within 1-3 business days after the return has been completed, and will be credited back to the original form of payment.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or concerns about your order or delivery, please don't hesitate to contact us: Email: judysplantedtanks@gmail.com - Ask a Question
The Otocinclus, often called the “Oto” or “Dwarf Sucker,” is a small, peaceful freshwater catfish prized for its algae-eating abilities and gentle nature. Native to South America, these social fish thrive in groups and are ideal for planted and community aquariums.
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Typically grows to 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches).
- Coloration: Features a sleek, elongated body with a light gray to brown base color and a distinct horizontal stripe running along the length of the body. Some species may display spotted or mottled patterns.
- Body Shape: Streamlined with a sucker mouth for adhering to surfaces.
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Temperament: Peaceful, social, and shy; thrives in groups of 6 or more.
- Tankmates: Ideal companions for small, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, and shrimp. Avoid larger or aggressive species that may harass or eat them.
- Activity: Active during the day and often seen clinging to plants, glass, or decorations as they graze on algae.
Habitat Requirements:
- Tank Size: Minimum of 10 gallons, with larger tanks recommended for bigger groups.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22°C–26°C (72°F–79°F).
- pH: 6.0–7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–15 dGH).
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to prevent injury to their sensitive undersides.
- Environment:
- Dense planting with a variety of live plants to mimic their natural habitat.
- Include driftwood and smooth rocks to provide grazing surfaces.
- Gentle water flow to replicate slow-moving streams.
Diet:
- Primarily Herbivorous:
- Consumes algae naturally present in the tank, including diatoms and biofilm.
- Supplement diet with:
- Algae wafers or spirulina-based pellets.
- Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber.
- Feeding Tips: Monitor algae availability and provide supplements as needed, especially in well-maintained or new tanks.
Care Tips:
- Keep Otos in groups for social enrichment and reduced stress.
- Acclimate them slowly during introduction, as they are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters.
- Avoid placing them in tanks with strong currents or aggressive tankmates.
Breeding:
- Reproduction: Breeding in captivity is rare but possible in mature tanks with stable conditions.
- Setup: Provide dense vegetation and soft, acidic water to encourage spawning.
- Behavior: Females lay adhesive eggs on leaves or glass. Parents do not guard the eggs, so separate them if needed.
- Fry Care: Feed fry with powdered spirulina or specialized fry foods.
Benefits in the Aquarium:
- Algae Control: Highly efficient at keeping algae in check without damaging plants.
- Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for in well-maintained tanks.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Their unique grazing behavior and peaceful demeanor make them a delight to observe.
The Otocinclus Catfish is a fantastic addition to any community or planted aquarium, offering both utility and charm. With proper care and a peaceful environment, Otos thrive and contribute to the overall health and cleanliness of your tank.
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DOA Guarantee
At Judy’s Planted Tanks, we take great care in packaging and shipping our livestock. However, occasionally losses can occur during transit. If any livestock arrives deceased, we offer a DOA Guarantee. To qualify for this guarantee, please follow these steps:- Notify us within 1 hour of receiving your package.
- Provide proof of the deceased livestock, including clear photos or videos.
- Ensure the livestock is still in its original packaging.
Shipping Policy
We strive to ensure that our livestock and plants arrive safely and efficiently. Here are our shipping details:- Livestock and Plant Shipping: We only ship livestock and plants from Monday to Wednesday to prevent them from sitting in the courier's warehouse over the weekend.
- Other Product Shipping: All other products can be shipped from Monday to Friday.
- Courier Services: We use The Courier Guy, with shipping charges ranging from R120 to R500, depending on your order.
- Alternative Shipping Option: We can ship dry goods using the locker-to-locker PUDO service for only R60-R100 depending on your order.
- Local Collections: Local collections in Port Elizabeth are free.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.).
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
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We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
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We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
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- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
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All livestock has undergone a mandatory quarantine period of at least 2 weeks.
Livestock Policy
We are committed to providing healthy and thriving livestock to our customers. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- We do not accept returns on any livestock (plants, aquatic animals, etc.) please see DOA Policy.
- We primarily sell juvenile livestock but may substitute adult specimens if available.
- We do not guarantee specific sexes for our livestock and may send a mix of males and females if available.
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