Zebra Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus cocama)

The Zebra otocinclus catfish, or Cocama catfish, is a small species of freshwater fish reknowned for its peaceful nature and ability to help aquarists control their algae growths. This species of fish only grows to be 1.6 inches in length typically, thus making them a small and practical option for nano aquariums. This particular variant has dark stripes along its body, resembling the striping of a zebra, hence its name. As a primarily algae eater, the catfish will forage and graze on any biofilms that grow on your tank, both on the surface of the water as well as on the surfaces of other items within your tank. However, to provide an ample sustainable diet for these catfish, it's important to provide other forms of nourishment, including veggies and spirulina-based foods.

As a peaceful and social species, it is always best to keep these catfish in small groups to allow them to feel secure. While they can be shy, providing multiple individuals for the Cocama catfish to relate to will allow them to gain confidence as they adjust to your tanks. They do incredible well with other peaceful, small species of freshwater fish, such as small tetras, peaceful shrimp, and other small catfish like corydoras.