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Ian Fuller (2)

Usually imported as O. affinis or O. vittatus. Description: The caudal fin design separates it from other Otocinclus species. The upper and lower caudal fin lobes have two rows of vertical semicircles. Some specimens have a small gap between the caudal spot and the band on the caudal peduncle. Aquarium Care: This is a small group of Loricariids which do well in aquaria and will keep the algae down without harming the plants in the tank. Best to keep in a group with more males for breeding purposes. Reproduction: The females will lay eggs on the plants and tank glass after the females have been chased around the tank by the male. Like Corydoras they present a t-position breeding mode. Diet: Omnivore: algae, tablet foods, flake and small frozen foods. Etymology: The specific name huaorani: Named for the Huaorani indigenous people inhabiting the upper Rio Napo of Amazonian Ecuador, an area within the range of this species; the Huaorani were largely uncontacted until the mid-20th century, and are now best known for their attempts to resist encroachment and habitat destruction in the Yasuni National Park south of Coca by foreign national oil exploration activities, both through diplomatic means and by force.

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Loricariidae

South America: Western upper Amazon and Orinoco River basins. Type locality: Trib. to Río San Miguel (km 50, 4.5 km S of Tipischca), ca. 0º10'N, 76º13'W, Río Amazonas/Napo drainage, Napo, Ecuador.

3.5cm. (1½ins)

26-30°c (79-87°f.)

6.0-7.5.