| Golden Oto | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Loricariidae |
| Genus: | Macrotocinclus |
| Species: | M. affinis |
| Binomial name | |
| Macrotocinclus affinis Steindachner, 1877 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Otocinclus affinis |
|
The golden oto (Macrotocinclus affinis, formerly Otocinclus affinis) is one of the smallest known suckermouth catfish, often called a 'dwarf oto'. Typically found in Southeast Brazil, this herbivorous, rheophilic, bottom-feeder only grows to around 4 cm (1.6 in) in length. These small fish are often used for the purpose of controlling algae in small home aquariums.
M. affinis is a Batesian mimic of Corydoras nattereri. Due to its narrow stripe, O. affinis resembles this Corydoras species more than it does Otocinclus species.[1]
M. affinis prefers an aquarium with fast moving water, sandy substrate, and plenty of hiding areas. Preferred pH is slightly acidic with a tank temperature of 21–27 °C (70–81 °F). This particular species is not as hardy as many of the other Otocinclus species.