Can Otocinclus Catfish Live With Ember Tetra?
Otocinclus Catfish and Ember Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 73–79°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Otocinclus Catfish | Ember Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 73–84°F | 73–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 5.5–7 | 6–7 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 0.8" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Otocinclus Catfish + Ember Tetra
To keep Otocinclus Catfish and Ember Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Otocinclus Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Ember Tetra 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 →Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Ember tetras are tiny, fiery-orange schooling fish that add a warm glow to planted tanks. At under 1 inch, they are perfect for nano tanks and make excellent companions for shrimp.
Full care guide →