What is a Dwarf Sucker Catfish?
The Otocinclus is commonly known as a dwarf sucker or a suckerfish because it eats by sucking algae off the bottom of riverbanks in the wild, or the bottom of an aquarium when in captivity. This remains one of the reasons why suckerfish are so popular in aquariums. These beautiful fish help fish owners keep their tank clean at an affordable price.
Not only are these fish convenient to have, but they are also extremely aesthetically appealing. Suckerfish can be found in various colors. The one thing that they seem to have in common regarding their appearance is that most Otocinclus catfish have a stripe down their back.
In Nature
The Otocinclus catfish call the rivers of South America home. It prefers the warm waters in Venezuela to the colder waters up north. Usually, these fish can be found on the bottom or side of the riverbed where there is plenty of algae for them to feed on.
It is uncommon for fishermen to intentionally catch these fish. Often, they are bred in pet stores for consumers, and they are not a popular choice among restaurants. Occasionally, fishermen will get them in a net and throw them back or use them for bait, but, aside from that, they do not hold a lot of value for fishermen.
In Captivity
Several of these fish call aquariums home. Their non-aggressive temperament makes them exceptional tank mates for an already peaceful aquarium. They are not known to attack other fish, but they can be a bit skittish. These fish are so small that they are usually a meal for larger species, so owners can often find them hiding in caves or between plants while they help clean the tank.
Most beginners enjoy owning these fish for several reasons. Beginners can start with a small aquarium, and that is perfect for these fish. They only grow to 2 inches long as adults, so owners will never need to purchase a larger tank to accommodate this tiny fish. Instead, they can live their five-year lifespan in the same tank.
Not only are these fish great for tanks and beginners, but they are also cheap. Those just starting out will be able to enjoy having plenty of Otocinclus catfish for under twenty bucks. Most pet shops do not charge more than five dollars for these fish, which is a great bargain for how much they clean the tank.
Otocinclus catfish are primarily known among aquarists for helping to keep the tank clean, their beautiful appearance and adorable temperament. Their skittish nature makes them appear rather shy, which most owners think is cute. A strong filter is not necessary when aquarists own a school of suckerfish, which can save them a great deal of money too. Their appearance just adds to their appeal. Watch a school of small fish lazily swim throughout an aquarium is simply relaxing. These are a cheap, beautiful addition to any aquarium regardless of what size the tank is.
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