Can German Blue Ram live with Otocinclus Catfish?
Light caution
Why
- Only a narrow temperature overlap — keep both around 78–79°F.
Sweet spot: both do well at 78–79°F and pH 6–7 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| German Blue Ram | Otocinclus Catfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 78–85°F | 72–79°F |
| pH | 5.5–7 | 6–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 1–8 dGH | 2–10 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.5" | 1.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 20 gal | 10 gal |
Together, plan on at least 20 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: An adjustable heater
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 German Blue Ram, Otocinclus Catfish →Everything compatible with German Blue Ram · …with Otocinclus Catfish