Our Guide To Keeping Dwarf Sucker Catfish
-
About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Otocinclus affinis
- Common name: Dwarf Sucker Catfish
- Family: Loricariidae
- Origin: South America, specifically Brazil and Peru
- Adult length: 2.5 to 5 cm
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
-
Tank Setup:
- Dwarf Sucker Catfish prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots and vegetation.
- Provide a substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel to prevent injury to their delicate barbels.
- Include driftwood and smooth rocks for hiding places.
-
Water Parameters:
- Dwarf Sucker Catfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Keep the water temperature between 21 to 26°C (70 to 79°F).
- They are sensitive to water conditions, so regular water changes are essential.
-
Filtration and Water Flow:
- Provide a gentle to moderate water flow with a sponge or small power filter.
-
Diet:
- Dwarf Sucker Catfish are herbivores and primarily feed on algae.
- Provide them with plenty of algae to graze on, or supplement their diet with algae wafers or blanched vegetables like zucchini and cucumber.
-
Tank mates:
- Dwarf Sucker Catfish are peaceful and should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.
- They are compatible with other peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and small peaceful cichlids.
-
Behavior and Compatibility:
- Dwarf Sucker Catfish are peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time grazing on algae.
- They are shy and may be intimidated by larger or more aggressive tank mates.
Write a Review
Riverpark Aquatics
Dwarf Sucker Catfish (Otocinclus affinis)
Livestock Shipping
Our shipping is £20 on orders of livestock over £20, order below that amount will have a £5 surcharge due to the costs involved. Before placing an order with us, please remember to do your own research and make sure that the species you are ordering are all compatible together (if going into the same tank). We do not take any responsibility for fish being mix incorrectly. If you are still unsure after doing your own research then please get in touch with us and we can give you our own opinion.
Once an order is placed, we will be in touch with you as soon as possible to confirm a delivery date. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, once dispatched the order should be with you by 1pm the next day. A Saturday delivery can be done but there will be a surcharge, please get in touch with us if looking to arrange this. If on the rare occasion our courier does not deliver on time, please let us know and we will find out how soon you can expect the order to be received.
Our DOA policy
In the unfortunate event any fish are DOA (Dead On Arrival) we will need clear photographic evidence of the fish still sealed in the original bag within 30 minutes of delivery, the photos can be sent to our email address info@riverparkaquatics.co.uk or to our Facebook page.
As long as the evidence of DOA has been satisfactory, we will either offer you a refund or credit/replacements for your next order with us. No cost of the shipping or packaging will be refunded by us and are an expense of the buyer. A replacement can be sent out by itself but the buyer will have to cover the cost of shipping.
Health Concerns
If there are any concerns of the livestock arriving in ill health, we must be notified within 30 minutes of receiving the delivery, we do not take responsibility for any issues that appear after the fish have been acclimated to your tank.
Stock Variation
Many of our photos do not show the exact fish that we have in stock, as such colours and sizes may vary. Feel free to inquire regarding the stock that we have in currently.
