[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Redfin Otocinclus (Parotocinclus maculicauda)

This liberally spotted species has red edges on its dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins. The genus itself can be distinguished from its close relative, Otocinclus, by the adipose fin (absent in Otocinclus). Of the 13 or so other species, only P. amazonensis (False Sucker), from coastal areas of southern Brazil, is seen with any regularity.

Family

• Loricariidae

Subfamily

• Hypoptopomatinae

Distribution

• Southern Brazil.

Size

• Around 1 3/4in (4.5cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful; should not be housed with boisterous tankmates.

Diet

• Predominantly herbivorous: algae and vegetable flakes, plus lettuce or spinach leaves, peas, etc.

Aquarium

• Well planted, with numerous hiding and resting places. Good filtration and fine-grained substratum recommended. At first, the water should be soft and acid; both values can be raised gradually once fish are acclimatized. Temperature range: 72-77 F (22-25 C)

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.