Compatibility brief
Can Apistogramma Macmasteri live with Otocinclus?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: low
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
100L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueApistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Otocinclus is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Apistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Otocinclus…”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Otocinclus can escape if harassed.
- •Otocinclus should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Apistogramma macmasteri
Primary: species page covering Meta basin habitat, soft acidic water requirement, and the strong territorial behaviour at spawning sites.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Macmaster's Apistogramma
Secondary: editor coverage of colour variants (gold, red-mask) and the strong line-breeding of the species in the hobby.
- Seriously Fish. Otocinclus macrospilus (Otocinclus ‘affinis’ / trade oto stand-in)
Primary stand-in: SF profile for O. macrospilus. Shop 'O. affinis'/'otocinclus' labels are often misidentified. Verify the fish against a good key, not a single import sticker.
- FishBase. Otocinclus affinis
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Otocinclus affinis
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- FishBase. Otocinclus vittatus
Taxonomy, distribution, and typical max length in natural/wild contexts (cross-check to aquarium import lines).
- Wikipedia. Otocinclus
Encyclopaedia overview; use specialist aquarium sources for your stock's real temperature/pH/footprint needs.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Apistogramma Macmasteri + Otocinclus
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree. At least one species here has common trade-name ambiguity.