Otocinclus mura

Otocinclus mura is named for the Rio Mura, a tributary system in the central Brazilian Amazon, from which the type specimens were collected. It is one of many recently described Otocinclus species that remain poorly known in the aquarium hobby and are infrequently encountered in the trade. Like its congeners, it is a small, armoured catfish with a sucking disc mouth adapted for rasping biofilm from hard surfaces.

In its natural habitat, O. mura inhabits the soft, slightly acidic waters of Amazonian tributaries and stream margins where water movement is gentle and aquatic vegetation is abundant. Periphyton — the community of algae, bacteria, and associated organic matter coating submerged surfaces — forms the basis of its diet. It forages in loose groups throughout the day, constantly moving from surface to surface in search of food.

Aquarium keeping of O. mura follows the same principles as for the genus in general: high water quality, group housing, and reliable nutrition are the three pillars of success. Its relatively small size and preference for slightly warmer, soft water make it particularly suited to tropical planted aquaria designed around Amazonian biotope themes. It is an interesting addition for hobbyists who enjoy working with less commonly available Otocinclus species.

Water: Soft, slightly acidic water at pH 5.5–7.0 and 22–27°C; very low ammonia and nitrite; regular 25–30% weekly water changes. Tank: 40 litres minimum with dense Amazonian planting, driftwood, and leaf litter to replicate natural biotope. Feeding: Periphyton and biofilm supplemented with blanched courgette, cucumber discs, and spirulina wafers. Breeding: Undocumented in captivity; soft, warm water and varied diet likely prerequisites for any breeding attempt. Compatibility: Peaceful with all nano community fish and invertebrates; ideal in an Amazonian biotope with small tetras and dwarf cichlids.