Can You Keep Otocinclus with Guppies?

Aquarists often consider keeping otocinclus and guppies together in the same aquarium. While these are two common freshwater fish species, there are many factors to consider before deciding to keep them together. In this article, we will explore whether otocinclus and guppies can live together harmoniously, their ideal tank conditions, and how to care for both species.

by Fabian

Updated: March 14, 2023 / 9 mins read

Fabian is the dedicated Chief Editor at Aquarium Nexus. From a young age, he was captivated by the vibrant world of aquatic life, leading him to accumulate over 20 years of experience in keeping and breeding various fish species. The fulfillment derived from the aquarium hobby has remained a constant throughout Fabian's life. As an expert in the field, he finds great pleasure in imparting his extensive knowledge and personal experiences to both seasoned aficionados and budding enthusiasts.

Habitat And Tank Requirements For Otocinclus And Guppies

To keep otocinclus and guppies healthy and happy, you need to provide them with a suitable habitat. Here are the essential requirements for each species:

Otocinclus

• Otocinclus, also known as ottos, live naturally in South American rivers with a lot of vegetation, such as the Amazon River.
• Otocinclus is a peaceful species that prefers to live in groups of at least six individuals.
• Provide a tank of at least 20 gallons with plenty of plants and hiding spots.
• Otocinclus is sensitive to water conditions, so keep the pH levels between 6.5-7.5, and temperature between 72-78℉.
• Otocinclus requires a mostly herbivorous diet, so provide them with algae wafers, spirulina flakes, and fresh veggies.

Guppies

• Guppies are also from South America and inhabit streams, ponds, and shallow waters with vegetation.
• Guppies are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least four individuals.
• Provide a tank of at least 10 gallons with plants, rocks, and caves for shelter.
• Guppies are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, between 7.0-8.0, and temperature between 72-82℉.
• Guppies require a varied diet, so provide them with high-quality flakes, freeze-dried or live foods.

While both species have different tank requirements, they can thrive in the same aquarium if provided with the appropriate conditions.

Water Conditions For Otocinclus And Guppies

Aquarium water conditions are vital for the survival and well-being of otocinclus and guppies. Here are the essential water parameters to maintain for each species:

Otocinclus

• Otocinclus is sensitive to water conditions and requires a stable, peaceful environment..
• Keep the pH levels between 6.5-7.5, the temperature between 72-78℉, and water hardness around 3-12 dGH.
• Otocinclus also require high oxygen levels, so ensure efficient aeration and filtration systems.
• Avoid fluctuations in water conditions, which may cause stress or disease in otocinclus.

Guppies

• Guppies are hardy fish, but poor water conditions can stress them and cause health issues.
• Keep the pH levels between 7.0-8.0, the temperature between 72-82℉, and water hardness around 8-12 dGH.
• Guppies also require high oxygen levels, so ensure efficient aeration and filtration systems.
• Avoid drastic changes in water conditions, which can harm the immune system of guppies.

While otocinclus and guppies have different preferred water conditions, they can coexist in the same aquarium if the water is within a suitable range of tolerance and does not significantly fluctuate.

Compatibility Of Otocinclus And Guppies

Before deciding to keep otocinclus and guppies together, it is essential to assess their compatibility. Here are some factors to consider:

Otocinclus

• Otocinclus is a peaceful species that do well in calm environments.
• They are timid fish and may become stressed if kept with aggressive or larger fish.
• Otocinclus may also eat harmful algae present in the aquarium.
• If threatened, otocinclus may lock their mouths onto surfaces or each other, attempting to appear larger and avoid being eaten.

Guppies

• Guppies are social fish and generally get along with most freshwater species.
• They are not aggressive and can be bullied by other fish, especially males.
• Guppies are fast swimmers and may outcompete slower fish for food.
• They have a peaceful demeanor and will not cause problems unless provoked.

Overall, otocinclus and guppies can coexist together in the same aquarium if their tank conditions are suitable. As long as there is no aggression, both species can live in harmony and even complement each other.

Benefits Of Keeping Otocinclus And Guppies Together

Keeping otocinclus and guppies together can provide benefits that enhance the overall health and well-being of both species. Here are some of the advantages of having these species in the same aquarium:

• Cleaner Tank: Otocinclus is a natural algae eater while guppies eat small insects and larvae, keeping the tank clean and reducing the risk of algae overgrowth.
• Natural Aquarium: Both otocinclus and guppies originate from South America, and their natural habitat contains dense vegetation. By adding live plants such as Java moss and Anubias to the aquarium, you create a more natural environment for these species to thrive in.
• Schooling Opportunities: Otocinclus and guppies both prefer living in groups, and adding both species to the aquarium provides an opportunity to form bigger schools. A larger school can provide more support, improve social behavior, and create a more natural-looking display.
• Effective Biological Control: Both species have been shown to be useful in controlling mosquito larvae, making them an eco-friendly option for natural pest control.
• Aesthetics: Otocinclus have an interesting appearance, and guppies come in a variety of colors and patterns, providing an attractive display and adding color to the aquarium.

Overall, keeping otocinclus and guppies together can offer several benefits to the aquarium ecosystem, making it a perfect combination for a beginner or experienced aquarist.

Challenges Of Keeping Otocinclus And Guppies Together

While keeping otocinclus and guppies together can provide several benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. Here are a few of the difficulties you may encounter:

• Competition for Food: Both species have similar food preferences, and guppies being the faster swimmers, may out-compete otocinclus for food. It’s essential to ensure that all fish receive enough food to maintain good health.
• Different Tank Requirements: Otocinclus and guppies have different preferred water conditions and tank requirements. Maintaining the ideal environment for both species can become challenging since it requires careful monitoring of water parameters, tank size, and decorations.
• Guppy Nipping: Male guppies may nip the tails or fins of otocinclus, causing stress and injury.
• Stress Issues: Otocinclus is a shy and timid species that may become stressed when exposed to too much light or noise. Guppies are also sensitive to stress and may experience health issues in chaotic environments.
• Disease Concerns: Sharing the same aquarium can increase the risk of disease transmission between both species.

Overall, keeping otocinclus and guppies in the same aquarium may have certain challenges, but with proper care and monitoring, these issues can be minimized, providing an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Feeding Otocinclus And Guppies

To keep otocinclus and guppies healthy, providing them with a balanced and diverse diet is essential. Here’s what you need to know about feeding these species:

Otocinclus

• Otocinclus is a herbivorous fish and feeds mainly on algae and plant matter.
• Provide them with high-quality algae-based foods, such as algae wafers or spirulina flakes. They also enjoy vegetables like zucchini, cucumbers, and green beans.
• Offer small amounts of food throughout the day rather than one large feeding to mimic their natural grazing behavior.
• Avoid overfeeding, as this may lead to health issues, such as bloating and constipation.

Guppies

• Guppies are omnivores and require a varied diet to maintain good health.
• Provide them with high-quality flakes or pellets, along with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
• Feed them once or twice a day, providing only enough food the fish can consume in two to three minutes.
• Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health issues, such as obesity and poor water quality.

When keeping both species in the same aquarium, it’s essential to ensure that both otocinclus and guppies receive enough food to maintain their health. Providing a varied diet that meets the requirements of both species can help keep them happy and healthy.

Health Concerns For Otocinclus And Guppies

Like any living creature, otocinclus and guppies can experience health problems. Here are some common health concerns to watch for when keeping these species in your aquarium:

Otocinclus

• Ich: A type of parasitic infection commonly found in otocinclus. Watch for white spots on the body, gasping, flashing, and clamped fins.
• Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections caused by poor water quality or stress. Look out for abnormal behavior, lethargy, discoloration, and loss of appetite.
• Stress: Otocinclus is sensitive to changes in water conditions, which can lead to stress. Common signs of stress include loss of color, gasping, clamped fins, and hiding behavior.

Guppies

• Columnaris: A bacterial infection that leads to erratic swimming, spots on the body, and fin rot.
• Dropsy: Guppies that become bloated and excrete buoyant feces or suffer from open sores or missing scales should be treated for dropsy.
• Swim Bladder Disease: A condition that causes the fish to have trouble swimming and maintaining balance.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s essential to act promptly to avoid further complications. Quarantine affected fish to prevent the spread of disease and seek veterinary advice if necessary. Regular water changes, a varied diet, and careful monitoring of water parameters can help prevent health issues in otocinclus and guppies.

Tips For Keeping Otocinclus And Guppies Together

If you’re interested in keeping otocinclus and guppies together, here are some tips to help ensure they thrive in your aquarium:

• Tank Size: Provide a tank size that accommodates the needs of both species, with plenty of hiding places and vegetation.
• Water Conditions: Maintain stable and suitable water conditions for both otocinclus and guppies by monitoring pH, temperature, and water hardness. Ensure ample aeration and filtration.
• Feeding: Provide a varied and balanced diet that meets the requirements of both species, without overfeeding or underfeeding.
• Compatibility: Keep an eye on potential aggression or stress in the tank and ensure that both species have suitable tanks mates.
• Disease Prevention: Regularly clean the aquarium, quarantine new fish, and avoid overstocking to prevent the spread of disease.
• Water Changes: Regularly perform partial water changes weekly to remove excess waste and replace with clean, filtered water.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy and happy aquarium with otocinclus and guppies living together harmoniously.

Conclusion

If you’re considering keeping otocinclus and guppies together, remember that both species have specific needs that must be met for them to thrive. Proper tank size, water conditions, feeding, and disease prevention are all essential to keeping otocinclus and guppies healthy and happy in the same aquarium.

While there may be some challenges to keeping these species together, the benefits, such as a cleaner tank, natural aquarium environment, and natural pest control, are significant. Plus, with their striking appearance and varied colors, otocinclus and guppies make an eye-catching addition to any freshwater aquarium.

Ultimately, otocinclus and guppies can live together harmoniously if provided with the right conditions. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a thriving and rewarding aquarium for both species.