Can Otocinclus Catfish Live With Celestial Pearl Danio?
Otocinclus Catfish and Celestial Pearl Danio are compatible. Temperature overlap 72–78°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Otocinclus Catfish | Celestial Pearl Danio | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 72–78°F | 72–78°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 1" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Otocinclus Catfish + Celestial Pearl Danio
To keep Otocinclus Catfish and Celestial Pearl Danio together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Otocinclus Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Celestial Pearl Danio should be kept in a school of 8+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.
Otocinclus catfish (otos) are tiny, peaceful algae eaters that are incredibly effective at controlling soft green algae and diatoms in planted tanks. They are the gold standard for planted tank algae control, often preferred over larger plecos. However, they are somewhat delicate and require established, well-maintained aquariums.
Full care guide →Celestial Pearl Danio
Danio margaritatus
Celestial pearl danios (also called galaxy rasboras) are tiny, jewel-like fish discovered in Myanmar in 2006. Their dark blue body is covered in iridescent pearl-white spots, with bright orange-red fins striped with black. Despite their exotic appearance, they are hardy and easy to care for — one of the hobby's best-kept secrets for nano tanks.
Full care guide →