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Golden Dwarf Sucker, lat. Otocinclus affinis


Order: Siluriformes;
Family: Loricariidae;
Genus: Otocinclus;
Species and synonyms: Golden Dwarf Sucker (Otocinclus affinis, Golden Dwarf Sucker, Golden Oto, Dwarf Sucking Catfish, Обыкновенный отоцинкл).

GBIF: Otocinclus affinis Steindachner, 1877

Golden Dwarf Sucker (lat. Otocinclus affinis) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Siluriformes, family Loricariidae, genus Otocinclus. One of the smallest and most popular algae-eating catfish in the aquarium hobby.

Distribution. The natural range of the Golden Dwarf Sucker covers rivers and streams of southeastern Brazil, mainly in the Paraná River basin. The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate flow, sandy or rocky bottoms, often found in small rivers and streams with dense vegetation.

Care requirements. The Golden Dwarf Sucker is a dwarf catfish that grows up to 3–4 cm in the aquarium. To keep a school (minimum 6–8 specimens), an aquarium of at least 50 liters with a length of 50 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in schools, as they are social fish and feel comfortable only in a group. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–26°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets.

Golden Dwarf Suckers are herbivorous fish, feeding on algae, soft plants and organic growths in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of special flakes and pellets for herbivorous fish, spirulina, blanched lettuce leaves, spinach, zucchini, as well as natural algae growths on glass and stones. It is important to ensure a constant supply of plant food. Feed should be 2–3 times a day in small portions.

In the aquarium, Golden Dwarf Suckers are active in the lower and middle water layers, often attaching to glass and plants. They are peaceful and get along well with any peaceful fish. Recommended tankmates include tetras, rasboras, danios, dwarf barbs, gouramis, corydoras and any small peaceful fish. It is not recommended to keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully them.

Breeding in home aquariums is possible but requires special conditions. Golden Dwarf Suckers are egg-laying fish, spawning on plant leaves, driftwood or glass. They reach sexual maturity at 8–10 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, cool water, increased aeration and the addition of stimulants are recommended. Eggs incubate for 3–5 days, fry begin to swim after 3–4 days. Fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and fine dry food.

The Golden Dwarf Sucker gets its name from the Greek words "oto" (ear) and "cinclus" (sucker) due to the characteristic sucker on its mouth, allowing it to attach to surfaces. The body is elongated, silvery-grey or greenish with a dark longitudinal stripe and a golden sheen. It is one of the most effective algae-eating catfish, helping to control growths in the aquarium. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.