Otocinclus cocama
Otocinclus cocama or Otocinclus tigerfish are native to the tributaries of the Ucayali and Marañón Rivers in Peru. The fish stay in the muddy areas densely overgrown with aquatic vegetation. These fish are ideal algae eaters, an aquarium with them will always be free of thread algae and diatoms. Keeping these fish is recommended for experienced aquarists.
Otocinclus cocama can easily be distinguished by its characteristic colour pattern with elongated vertical spots and a full lateral line without gaps. The fish have an elongated body, slightly flattened underneath. The head is slightly flattened, and the eyes are on each side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision. The mouth has a suction cup, which is used for feeding as well as for attachment to rocks or plants. The males are smaller than the females. The maximum size of the fish is 4.5 cm. The fish spend most of their time in the lower and middle layers of the water.
The Otocinclus cocama will be a useful addition to any freshwater aquarium. The Otocinclus cocama should be kept as singles or in small groups of 3-6 in aquariums from 120 liters, together with other smaller, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, smaller loricarids and freshwater shrimps. The aquarium should be densely planted with a variety of aquarium plants. Snags and large rocks should be placed at the bottom, so that the fish can hide amongst them. To approximate the natural conditions as closely as possible, dried oak leaves may be placed at the bottom of the aquarium, which, once decomposed, provide the fish with an additional food source.
Although the Otocinclus cocama is a peace-loving fish, it may not be an ideal neighbour for other fish species due to its small size and somewhat timid character. Place several specimens of Tiger Otocinclus in an algae-infested aquarium, and after a few weeks you will be able to see through the glass, and after a few months the aquarium will be spotless.
Good filtration, moderate aeration and a sufficiently strong water flow are required. The fish should not be introduced into a fish stock that has not yet reached biological equilibrium. Water parameters: temperature 23-27° C, hardness dH 4-12°, pH 6,5-7,5. Requires filtration, moderate aeration. Create a small water current in the aquarium, for example, by directing the withdrawal nozzle of the water filter along the back wall of the aquarium. Do not introduce fish into an aquarium in which biological equilibrium has not yet been established.
Otocinclus cocama are herbivores. In the wild, they mainly eat algae and slime (biofilm) that collects on stones and plants. It is therefore important to keep live plants in the aquarium and to encourage algae growth. If there are no algae in the aquarium, fish menus should be supplemented with flake food containing spirulina. Blanched courgettes, spinach, peas and cucumbers can be added to the menu. Any uneaten food must be removed within 6-8 hours. Feed the fish once a day.
Reproduction
Information about successful breeding Otocinclus cocama in aquarium conditions we have very little. The bulk of these fish are available from their natural habitat.
The Otocinclus cocamahas a lifespan of 5-7 years in aquariums.
