The zebra oto or tiger oto is a fish of the genus Otocinclus of the family Loricariidae that originates from Peru.

The Oto is the perfect algae eater. It eats soft algae exclusively, so make sure a food supply is established in the tank before an Otto is introduced. It will clean algae off of plants without harming the plant. It also will clean algae off of plastic plants and glass. Ottos are seldom active in a tank, but they are always entertaining to find. They will stick themselves to the glass in any direction. They will stick to plant stems and the underside of leaves. Occasionally they will swim across the tank to take up a new resting or eating position. Ottos won't harm other species and the only concern is that some larger, aggressive fish, such as cichlids, will eat them.

Differentiating the sexes of Ottos and breeding them is very difficult.



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