Ohrgitterharnischwels, Otocinclus affinis (Minifisch)

Otocinclus affinis, commonly called "dwarf sucker" or "oto", lives in South America west of the Andes (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) in forest streams and small rivers with dense shore vegetation.

As a biofilm grazer it feeds on young algae as well as plant remains and deadwood, with the microorganisms living on them making up an important part of its diet. The fish is often marketed as a general omnivore and algae eater, which can lead to incorrect feeding. It should only be introduced into fully matured aquariums, since biofilm as a food source only builds up slowly.