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Otocinclus Catfish (Oto Fish) – Peaceful Nano Algae Eater

Otocinclus Catfish (Oto Fish) – Peaceful Nano Algae Eater

Otocinclus sp.
Notify MeLive Arrival Guaranteed
Regular price $6.99 USD
Regular price $8.99 USD Sale price $6.99 USD
22% OFF Sold out

Overnight shipping required for the safety of all live fish 
Free Overnight Shipping on all orders over $200

Quantity
100% Live Arrival Guarantee

Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →

Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Intermediate
Temperature
72–79°F
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Min. Tank
10 gallons
Species Profile

Otocinclus Catfish (Oto Fish) – Peaceful Nano Algae Eater

Otocinclus sp.

Why We Love This Fish

  • Verified shrimp-safe species
  • Quarantined before shipping
  • Stunning in planted tanks
  • Peaceful community fish

Otocinclus catfish are the gold standard for soft algae control in planted tanks. A group of 4–6 Otos working glass, leaves, and hardscape is one of the most effective natural maintenance systems available.

They are tiny — reaching only 1.5–2 inches — and completely peaceful. Safe with all shrimp species and snails. They do best in established tanks with good flow and stable water quality. Every Oto we ship is quarantined before departure.

Care Notes

Otocinclus need a mature, established tank with abundant biofilm and soft algae — they cannot survive on algae wafers alone in a new tank. Do not add Otos to a tank under 3 months old. Sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Supplement with blanched zucchini or cucumber 2–3 times per week even in algae-rich tanks.

Keep in groups of at least 4–6 — lone Otos are stressed and reclusive. Completely peaceful with shrimp, snails, and all plants. Never use copper-based medications.

Quick Care Facts
Care LevelIntermediate
Temperature72–79°F
pH Range6.0–7.5
Min. Tank10 gallons
DietBiofilm, soft algae, blanched vegetables, algae wafers
Adult Size~1.5–2 in
What’s Included
  • Quarantined fish
  • Insulated + weather pack
  • Overnight required
Species Spotlight

Why We Love This Fish

01

The Best Soft Algae Cleaner

Otos graze diatoms and green film algae from glass, leaves, and hardscape constantly. A group of 4–6 in a planted tank keeps surfaces cleaner than any scrubbing.

02

100% Shrimp Safe

Completely harmless to shrimp and snails at all sizes. One of very few fish that can genuinely be called shrimp-safe without qualification.

03

Fascinating Up Close

Watch an Oto rasping algae from a leaf — the sucker-mouth action and constant movement is one of the most satisfying things in a planted tank.

Otocinclus Catfish (Oto Fish) – Peaceful Nano Algae Eater in planted aquarium
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation

Do not add Otos to a new tank. They need an established tank (3+ months) with sufficient biofilm and natural algae. Supplement with blanched zucchini or cucumber twice weekly. Keep at least 4. Fish ship Overnight / Next Day Air — choose your delivery date at checkout.

— Tyler, Razz Aquatics  ·  100+ Dedicated Aquariums  ·  Family-Owned & Operated
How It Gets There

Overnight. Every Time.

Fish ship via Overnight service to minimize stress and maximize live arrival success. Livestock ships Monday through Thursday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.

1
Choose Delivery Date

Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Tuesday through Friday.

2
Quarantined & Health Checked

Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.

3
Packed for the Weather

Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.

4
Live Arrival Guaranteed

100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →

Fish orders require Overnight. Free Overnight at $200+. Shrimp & livestock: Free 2-Day at $120+.

Why Order From Razz Aquatics

Quarantined Before Every Shipment

Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.

This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.

100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Razz Aquatics facility
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions

Otocinclus Catfish (Oto Fish) – Peaceful Nano Algae Eater FAQ

Can I put Otos in a new tank?+
No. Otocinclus need a mature tank with established biofilm and soft algae. Tanks under 3 months old rarely have enough natural food to sustain them.
How many Otos should I keep?+
At least 4–6. Lone Otos become stressed and reclusive. A small group is more active and more effective.
How do I acclimate Otos?+
Float the bag 15 minutes for temperature. Drip-acclimate at 2–3 drops per second for 30–60 minutes. Net the fish into the tank — never add bag water. Dim lights for the first few hours.
How are these fish shipped?+
Via Overnight / UPS Next Day Air. Professionally packed in an insulated box with a heat or cold pack matched to your local weather. Fish ship Monday through Thursday and deliver Tuesday through Friday.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics’ discretion.
Are Otos safe with shrimp?+
Yes — completely. They are one of the few fish we recommend without reservation for shrimp tanks.
What do Otos eat?+
Biofilm and soft green algae primarily. Supplement with blanched zucchini, cucumber, or spinach 2–3 times per week.
Why does fish shipping cost more?+
Fish ship via Overnight / Next Day Air to minimise stress and maximise live arrival success. This is reflected in the shipping cost at checkout.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Free Overnight on fish orders $200+. Overnight shipping applies below that threshold. Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+.
Build a Better Aquarium

Plants That Pair Perfectly

Live plants give nano fish cover, reduce stress, and create a more natural aquarium. They help break up sightlines, provide shelter for shy fish, and support a healthier planted tank.

Add live plants to create cover, improve water quality, and build a healthier aquarium for your fish.