Vampire Otocinclus (Nannoptopoma sternoptychum) The Vampire Otocinclus (Nannoptopoma sternoptychum) is a small catfish from the loricariid family, hailing from South America. Despite its dramatic name, it is not a predator and does not pose any danger to other fish. The name comes from its distinctive dark lateral stripe and facial patterns, which give it a more striking and angular look compared to true Otocinclus species. Like its relatives, it is a specialized grazer of periphyton, perfectly adapted to cling to submerged surfaces while feeding on biofilm, algae, and the microorganisms that accompany them. The Vampire Otocinclus is very social and thrives best in groups of six or more. In the wild, these fish are found in loose groups, and this behavior translates into the aquarium, where fish that are kept together are noticeably more active, confident, and visible. Fish that are kept alone can become withdrawn and may find it hard to compete for food. Within a group, their interactions are peaceful and consist mainly of subtle spacing rather than aggression, making it crucial to house them in shoals for their long-term health and happiness. The picture displayed is of the fish in stock, for further pictures please get in touch All Sizes are approx
