Other Names:
Brown Otocinclus, "KBO" ("Kleiner Brauner Oto", LG2
Scientific Name:
Hypoptopomatinae sp. (new genus: LG2)
Synonyms of this species are Otocinclus "negros", Otocinclus "nero"., Otocinclus "paulinus". All of them are incorrect, as this small Loricarid is not a member of the genus Otocinclus. It's most closely related to Hisonotus spp., but due to certain differences it does not fit that genus either.
Range:
South America: Paraguay and the Rio Paraná below the Itaipú dam, northern Argentina.
Maximum size:
3-4cm. (1,25-1,75").
Females will grow to twice the size of males.
Aquarium:
An aquarium of 24" (60cm.) in length is sufficient to provide a small shoal of these active, playful catfish ample space to thrive. A densely planted tank is preferred, so the little fish can hide and feel secure, especially when they share their tank with larger or more active fish. To accommodate a sustained algae growth, bright lights or a sunny place for the fish tank is recommended.
Optimal conditions are soft, slightly acidic water, achievable by filtering over peat or by the use of Black Water Extract. But they will do well in harder, more alkaline water as well.
Temperature:
pH:
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Diet:
This little catfish is very good as a tank "de-algaefier", because of its appetite for many kinds of algae. Often it eats algae faster than they can regrow, so it is of vital importance to feed these fish additionally: suitable are vegetarian food items like algae/spirulina pellets and vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce and preboiled spinach, as well as meaty foods such as carnivore pellets, tubifex and mosquito larvae.
Temperament:
An active, peaceful and completely harmless community fish, should be kept in a group of at least 5-6 specimen. The tank should be densely planted with large-leafed plants smooth rocks, bog wood, as well as a layer of crude rounded gravel as substrate, to provide hiding places as well as submerged surfaces on which algae can grow.
Notes:
Like most other Otocinclus-like species, the first couple of weeks in captivity are critical, and many perish during this first period. Key is proper (ie. slow) acclimatisation, a stressfree environment and a good diet (since all specimen are wild-caught, many specimen arrive malnourished). Close observation during this initial phase is recommended.
Male (right) and female side by side
No flash
