Parotocinclus haroldoi Care Guide
Parotocinclus haroldoi
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
1340
- Max Size
- 3.5 cm / 1.4"
- Temperature
- 24–28°C (75–82°F)
- pH Range
- 6 – 7.5
- Min Tank Size
- 40L (11 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 6 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- South America
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Difficult
Diet
Primarily an algae and biofilm grazer that should be offered sinking algae wafers, veggie-rich pellets, blanched vegetables and occasional small frozen/live protein foods.
Community Compatibility
Peaceful dwarf pleco ideal for small, calm community tanks with tiny tetras, rasboras, dwarf Corydoras and shrimp that won’t outcompete it for algae or stress its shy grazing behaviour.
Good to Know
Parotocinclus haroldoi, a tiny “Galaxy Oto”–style dwarf pleco from Brazil’s Parnaíba basin, was described by Julio Garavello in 1988 and is prized by aquarists for its spotted armour and efficient algae-grazing habits.
Gender Differences
Females are typically fuller-bodied with a rounder belly, while males remain slightly smaller and more slender, especially when viewed from above.
Stock Parotocinclus haroldoi in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Parotocinclus haroldoi fits your aquarium