Zebra otocinclus

Care requirements

• Minimum tank 18 × 12 in (45 × 30 cm) or larger.
• Adult size 1.8 in (45 mm), excluding the tail
• Temperature 75–77°F (24–25°C)
• pH 6.5–7.5
• GH 4–10 dGH
• Ammonia and nitrite 0 ppm

Housing & compatibility

Keep a same-species group of at least six with calm tankmates. Check feeding and body condition carefully; a newly set up or very clean tank may not provide enough natural food.

Diet

Maintain natural grazing and offer suitable soft vegetable-based foods and small prepared grazing foods if the fish takes it. Many new specimens do not immediately recognize wafers, so observe actual feeding rather than assuming food has been eaten.

Hikari Mini Algae Wafers is a prepared grazing food. Offer a small piece if accepted and keep a place to graze on established biofilm.

Species reference photo. Size and markings can vary. Photo by Frank M. Greco, CC BY 3.0.