{"product_id":"otocinclus-cocama","title":"Otocinclus Cocama","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtocinclus Cocama, known in the aquarium hobby as the Zebra Otocinclus, is a petite, peaceful freshwater catfish that shines in planted tanks. Its slender silhouette and striking zebra-like pattern add a touch of natural elegance while performing a critical job: steady, reliable algae control.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWhy the Zebra Otocinclus stands out\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural alga control\u003c\/strong\u003e: This small algae eater thrives on the film of algae that forms on glass, plant leaves, and driftwood, keeping your tank clean without harsh chemicals.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact, non-intrusive presence\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sized for community aquariums and nano tanks, it won’t uproot plants or harass tankmates. It’s the quiet helper that blends into the backdrop of a thriving planted display.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup vitality\u003c\/strong\u003e: Zebra Otocinclus are happiest in social groups. A colony of 6+ fish creates a dynamic, peaceful schooling display and ensures activity at all levels of the tank.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAesthetics that match function\u003c\/strong\u003e: The bold vertical stripes against a pale body catch the eye, turning a practical algae control fish into a centerpiece for your aquascape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCare and setup for lasting health\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtocinclus cocama thrive in mature, well-filtered aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow. Aim for stable conditions rather than rapid fluctuations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size\u003c\/strong\u003e: Ideal in 10 gallons or larger when kept in groups; provides ample biofilm and grazing surfaces for everyone.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e: Temperature roughly 72–78°F (22–25°C). pH around 6.5–7.5. Soft to moderately hard water is well tolerated as long as fluctuations are minimized.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironment\u003c\/strong\u003e: Offer plenty of biofilm-friendly surfaces—live plants, driftwood, and gentle hiding spots. A dimly lit corner with ample grazing surfaces helps reduce stress.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e: Peaceful with small community fish, shrimp, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid aggressive tank mates that might outcompete them for food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eDiet and feeding: how to keep them fed\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile they primarily graze on algae and biofilm, Zebra Otocinclus will appreciate supplemental nutrition to keep them healthy and active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary diet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Algae, biofilm, and naturally occurring growth on glass and plant leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplements\u003c\/strong\u003e: Offer algae wafers or pellets designed for herbivorous ciclids, plus blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber, in small amounts that they can consume quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMealtime strategy\u003c\/strong\u003e: Provide grazing surfaces and feed small amounts multiple times a day to mimic natural foraging and prevent starvation in groups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWhat problems can they solve in your aquarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor planted tanks battling light diatoms or glass algae, Zebra Otocinclus act as a patient, ongoing cleaning crew. Their steady grazing reduces visible algae without the risk of plant damage or sudden shifts in water chemistry, making them a practical alternative to larger algae-eating fish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eWho is this fish ideal for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for hobbyists building or maintaining a planted aquarium, hobbyists seeking a peaceful, visually striking addition, and beginners who want reliable algae control with low-maintenance, small-bodied fish. If you prefer a quiet, group-oriented species that coexists smoothly with invertebrates like shrimp, the Zebra Otocinclus fits right in.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eCare tips to keep them thriving\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eAcclimate slowly to new tanks to reduce stress and improve long-term health.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eQuarantine new arrivals to protect the established biofilter and other tank inhabitants.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvoid copper-based medications, which can be harmful to Otocinclus.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaintain stable water conditions; sudden changes can affect appetite and activity.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRegularly monitor algae growth and provide fresh grazing surfaces to sustain their natural feeding habits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith its eye-catching stripes and dependable algae-mowing behavior, Otocinclus Cocama delivers both form and function. The Zebra Otocinclus is more than a decorative fish—it’s a practical, peaceful ally for a thriving planted aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Iven Betta","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32616414773310,"sku":"","price":85.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/6555\/9870\/files\/IMG-20240428-WA0055.jpg?v=1714301660","url":"https:\/\/bubblenestib.com\/en-dk\/products\/otocinclus-cocama","provider":"ivenbetta","version":"1.0","type":"link"}