The season for this popular Otocinclus has started now. Otocinclus vestitus has a very large distribution. It is found in Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay. The species can be easily identified by the typical pattern in the caudal fin.
Among the O. vestitus we received this week from Paraguay was one very unusual xanthoristic specimen. It is a very rare occasion that such a conspicious animal survives in the wild and grows to adult size!
Keeping and breeding O. vestitus is very easy; it is a typical beginner´s species. Especially lovers of well planted aquaria enjoy Otociclus vestitus very much, as it is a perfect algae eaters that feeds the algae from the top of the leaves without hurting them at all. For breeding a specis-specific tank should be used. Technically speaking, breeding is very much alkie that of Corydoras species.
For our customers: the fish have code 273604 (old trade name: O. arnoldi) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Otocinclus; vestitus: Latin, means “dressed”. Xanthorism: a mutation, in which the cells with yellow pigment increase.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
