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Otocinclus affinis vs arnoldi vs sp. ?

Discussion in 'Fish for Planted Tanks' started by fablau, Sep 14, 2008.

  1. fablau

    fablau rotalabutterfly.com
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    Hello here,
    I am trying to understand if there is any difference between the Otocinclus Affinis, the Otocinclus Arnoldi and the Otocinclus Sp.. Really I don't understand where is the difference between them, from the pictures they all look equal. The local pet store nearby has the Otocinclus Arnoldi one but they can't tell me if it is the same of the "Affinis" or the "Sp." (that, also, I have not idea what Sp. stands for...).

    Any help and/or thoughts are very welcome!

    Thank you.

    Best,
    Fab.
     
    #1 fablau, Sep 14, 2008
  2. Gerryd

    Gerryd Plant Guru Team
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    Hi,

    SP in this case is a designation for any species of that type.

    Say for instance Ludwigia sp. indicates all species of Ludwigia.

    Usually used when the specific species is UNKNOWN.

    The different varieties are all color/patter fin ray counts, etc.

    They are different species, but at a glance all look similar.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #2 Gerryd, Sep 15, 2008
  3. fablau

    fablau rotalabutterfly.com
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    Thank you very much Gerryd, I guessed that :)

    My concerning was that since I need an algae eater, I wanted the "real" Otocinclus and I was confused by different names... so, can I go ahead with "any" of them? Can I be sure that all the different varieties are anyway the same great algae eater fish?

    Thank you for your help, really appreciated.

    Best,
    Fab.
     
    #3 fablau, Sep 15, 2008
  4. Gerryd

    Gerryd Plant Guru Team
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    Hi Fab,

    The affinis is the one that I have and the most common I THINK.

    I THINK they are all decent algae eaters, but cannot confirm.

    I will check my literature, but it may well be out of date.

    Hopefully, some others with experience can chime in.

    Remember that all algae eaters do not eat every type of algae.

    You may want to get an ancistrus (busy nose or rubber nose) to scrape the wood, some SAE for brush algae, and some shrimp as well.

    Based of course on the size of your tank :)
     
    #4 Gerryd, Sep 15, 2008
  5. fablau

    fablau rotalabutterfly.com
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    Thank you very much Gerryd, I will take care of your advice. My tank is 75gl so I have enough space for different "algae eaters". I was thinking to the Amano Shrimp but I also will check out your suggested ones :)

    Thank you very much again!

    Best,
    Fab.
     
    #5 fablau, Sep 15, 2008
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