Otocinclus Affinis
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
- Live Arrival Guarantee
- All our live fish, shrimp, snails are care with love and passion, when through minimum of 14 days quarantined and shipped from Splashy Fish facility in Springfield, Virginia, USA
This is only apply to live fish order.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
Benefit from our extensive experience in shipping live fish. In 2021, our records indicated a mere 0.5% dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate for all live fish orders, compared to the industry standard of 1.5%. These numbers translate to only 5 out of 1000 orders experiencing DOA fish.
At Splashy Fish, customer satisfaction is our priority. That's why we provide a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on all animals shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Please note - Splashy Fish reserves the right to void Live Arrival Guarantee protection under the following circumstances:
- The customer has chosen USPS First Class Mail as a shipping method.
- The shipping address is a PO Box address
- The order was refused delivery by the customer.
- If the order is returned to the sender for any reason. For instance, an incorrect shipping address, an undeliverable address, etc.
- The order was held for pick up at USPS, UPS, and FedEx offices for longer than 24 hours after the last update on the tracking number.
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not include all the requirements mentioned below
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim is made after the claim period mentioned below.
- The animals are not in their original packaging
Live Arrival Guarantee Claim Period:
For Live Fish and other invertebrates: one and a half hours (1.5 hours) after the posted delivery time.
For Snails: 48 hours after the posted delivery time.
Steps to claim Splashy Fish's Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Take a picture of the shipping box and the shipping label.
- For live fish and other invertebrates: Please provide two pictures of each bag (containing the dead fish) upon arrival. Ensure the images display the bag in its original, unopened condition with the original rubber band intact
- For Snails: Position the snail in one corner of the tank. If the snail does not move within 48 hours, please take several pictures of the snail's opening
- Send an email to DOA@splashyfishstore.com with the subject line: DOA and Your Order Number, or message us on social media.
- In the body of the email, include your tracking number.
- The claim must be sent within the claim period mentioned above.
After submitting the required information, please allow us 1-3 business days to determine the cause of the issue. If the claim is valid and approved by our team, you will
- Receive a store credit for future purchases, excluding the shipping cost, of the dead-on-arrival fish
If the Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not meet all listed requirements, Splashy Fish reserves the right to reject it.
Shipping live animals and plants is a complex process, and temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of your order.
If the highest daytime temperature in your location and the lowest nighttime temperature here in Springfield, Virginia—where our facility is situated—fall below 40°F or exceed 90°F, we will proactively delay your order. This measure is taken to prioritize the well-being of the animals and plants.
For the safety of our living cargo and to protect your investment, we retain the right to suspend shipping as necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Our Splashy Fish team will assess the situation and determine if it is unsuitable to ship, considering the safety of the animals.
To stay informed or address any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated Splashy Fish Support team via email at support@splashyfishstore.com.
Once our team prints and packs your order, we'll notify you via email. This notification will include your tracking number and the expected arrival day. If you opt for UPS 2 Day shipping, your package should arrive within 2 days after shipment. Similarly, if you choose UPS 1 Day, your order will reach you the day after it is shipped. In the case of orders containing only plants or dry goods, they may be shipped via USPS, provided that this is the selected shipping option during checkout.
We ship all of the customer orders from our warehouse located in Springfield, VA. We pack and ship our orders depending on the orders with the exception of someday we cannot ship out live fish.
All Orders: will be shipped out from Monday to Thursday each week for overnight shipping by UPS.
Sunday: (Splashy Day) Today is the day we let our hard-working team members and our fish to destress and ready for the following week's shipment.
For more information regarding about shipping please visit us our Shipping Policy and Schedule
The Otocinclus affinis, also known as the Dwarf Otocinclus or simply the Oto, is a diminutive and dynamic freshwater fish celebrated for its unparalleled algae-eating prowess. Originating from the fast-flowing rivers of South America, this tiny catfish has become a beloved addition to aquariums worldwide for its natural cleaning abilities and charming personality.
The Otocinclus catfish boasts a slender, streamlined body with a distinctive suckermouth perfectly adapted for grazing on algae. Its coloration is a mottled blend of brown, green, and black, providing excellent camouflage against rocks and plants. Though small, its energetic movements and constant foraging make it a captivating presence in any aquarium tank.
Despite its shy nature, the Oto is a schooling fish that thrives in groups of six or more. It is most active during daylight hours, tirelessly scouring the aquarium for algae growth on surfaces, aquatic plants, and even aquarium decor. While primarily algae eaters, they can be supplemented with algae wafers or blanched vegetables.
Otocinclus affinis are remarkably adaptable and undemanding. They require a well-maintained aquarium with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons for a small group. While they are not picky eaters, ensuring a consistent source of algae or supplemental algae-based foods is essential for their well-being.
These peaceful fish are compatible with a wide range of tankmates, making them ideal additions to community aquariums. They are particularly well-suited for planted tanks where they help maintain pristine conditions by keeping algae growth in check.
At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Otocinclus catfish for sale are tank-breed, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish. We have a lot more fish available for sale such as betta fish for sale, aquarium plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, Mystery snail, Nerite snails, and other aquarium supplies.
Recommended Tank Parameters:
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Temperature: 72°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C)
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pH Range: 6.5 - 7.5
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KH Range: 2 - 12 dKH
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GH Range: 5 - 15 dGH
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Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a group
FAQs:
What algae does Dwarf Otocinclus eat?
Otocinclus affinis are known to consume a variety of algae, including green algae, brown algae, and diatoms. However, they may not be as effective against certain types like black beard algae or hair algae.
How many Otocinclus should be kept together?
Otocinclus affinis are social fish and do best in groups. Aim for a minimum of 6 individuals, but more is better if your tank size allows. This helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.
Are Otocinclus catfish good for planted tanks?
Yes, Otocinclus affinis are excellent additions to planted tanks due to their algae-eating habits.
