Zebra Otocinclus

Keeping a zebra oto (zebra otocinclus) healthy requires creating an environment that closely mimics its natural habitat. Here’s a guide to care for these beautiful fish:

1. Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a small group (they prefer to be in groups of 3-6). Larger tanks are better for stability.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive undersides.
• Decorations: Use driftwood, rocks, and live plants (like Java moss, Anubias, or Amazon swords) to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Too much light can promote algae growth, but otos enjoy nibbling on algae.

2. Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C).
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5–7.5.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, 4–12 dGH.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality without creating strong currents.
• Water Changes: Perform weekly water changes of 25–30% to keep nitrates low.

3. Diet

• Primary Food: Algae is their natural diet, but ensure there’s a steady supply without over-relying on natural tank algae.
• Supplement: Provide algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber), and high-quality sinking foods.
• Avoid: Overfeeding, as uneaten food can pollute the tank.

4. Tankmates

• Choose peaceful, non-aggressive tankmates like tetras, rasboras, guppies, and shrimp.
• Avoid cichlids or large aggressive fish that may harass them.

5. Behavior and Social Needs

• Group Living: Zebra otos are social and thrive when kept in small groups of their own species.
• Activity: Mostly active during the day, spending time grazing on surfaces.

6. Health Monitoring

• Look out for signs of stress, such as erratic swimming, loss of appetite, or dull coloration.
• Quarantine new additions to prevent the spread of diseases.

7. Special Considerations

• Otocinclus are sensitive to water quality; maintain stable and clean conditions.
• Ensure adequate oxygenation in the tank.

By following these guidelines, you can create a healthy and enriching environment for zebra otos to thrive.