Can Discus live with Otocinclus Catfish?
Caution — with care
Why
- No overlapping temperature: Discus wants 82–88°F but Otocinclus Catfish wants 72–79°F.
- Very different sizes (Discus 8" vs Otocinclus Catfish 1.5") — these two need different tanks, and the smaller fish will be out-competed at feeding time.
Side-by-side
| Discus | Otocinclus Catfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88°F | 72–79°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–8 dGH | 2–10 dGH |
| Adult size | 8" | 1.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 55 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater · A larger tank
Where to buy
- Otocinclus Catfish: buy at The Shrimp Farm · The Shrimp Farm live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Discus, Otocinclus Catfish →Everything compatible with Discus · …with Otocinclus Catfish