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Breeding / Rarely bred at home
Otocinclus
Rarely bred at home · Hard

Breeding the otocinclus

Rarely bred in tanks; after a Corydoras-style T-position, females lay eggs on plants and the tank glass.

Full species page

Step by step

Pairing

Group of 6+ in a mature tank. Males are smaller.

Breeding tank

A mature planted tank with algae biofilm.

What starts it

Water changes with cooler water.

Eggs and young

Small egg groups on glass or plants; hatch in about 2-3 days.

Raising the fry

Fry feed on biofilm and fine algae.

Common mistakes
  • Starving them in a clean tank
  • Hard water
  • Not feeding algae foods

Male or female

  • Male: Smaller
  • Female: Larger, rounder
  • Size

Can I breed it in my tank?

  • This species is rarely bred in home tanks.
  • Hard: for experienced breeders.