Can Otocinclus Catfish Live With Silver Dollar Fish?
Otocinclus Catfish and Silver Dollar Fish are compatible. Temperature overlap 75–79°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 55 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Otocinclus Catfish | Silver Dollar Fish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 75–82°F | 75–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 | 6–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2" | 6" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Herbivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Otocinclus Catfish + Silver Dollar Fish
To keep Otocinclus Catfish and Silver Dollar Fish together, you need at minimum a 55 gallon tank. Otocinclus Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Silver Dollar Fish should be kept in a school of 5+. 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 →Silver Dollar Fish
Metynnis hypsauchen
Silver dollars are large, disc-shaped, peaceful schooling fish related to piranhas — but entirely herbivorous. Their shimmering silver body catches light beautifully in motion. They are excellent dither fish for large cichlid tanks because their calm, open-water swimming behavior helps reduce cichlid aggression. Warning: they will eat every live plant in your tank.
Full care guide →