Perhaps the prettiest and at the same time most suitable otocinclus for aquaristics is Parotocinclus haroldoi. Concerning the coloring – yellow-white, shining spots on black underground – the species resembles the adonis pleco (Acanthicus adonis), remains however with maximally 4 cm (male) and at all-highest 5 cm (female) much, much smaller. Until now this species, which only occurs in a river system in eastern Brazil in the state of Piaui, has only been available very sporadically in the hobby, as there are hardly any exports from this corner of South America. The species has nevertheless been available among specialists through offspring from time to time. The reproduction is similar to the armored catfishes (Corydoras), the eggs are laid on plant leaves etc. and left to their own devices.
Currently we can offer this nice, but by no means delicate beauty in larger numbers, as offspring from Brazil! It is the ideal algae eater for small and medium sized community aquariums.
For our customers: the animals have code 276573 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
