Fish comparison
Ember Tetra vs Otocinclus (Common)
How the Ember Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Ember Tetra vs Otocinclus (Common)
The Ember Tetra and the Otocinclus (Common) come up together a lot when people are choosing a fish, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 23 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Ember Tetra is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Otocinclus (Common) rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Ember Tetra needs less room to feel settled; give the Otocinclus (Common) the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Ember Tetra23–29 °C
- Otocinclus (Common)20–26 °C
pH
- Ember Tetra5.5–7
- Otocinclus (Common)6–7.5
Hardness
- Ember Tetra1–10 dGH
- Otocinclus (Common)2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Ember Tetra schools, stock at least 8You've planned for 1 ember tetra. Ember Tetra need a group of at least 8 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Otocinclus (Common) schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 otocinclus (common). Otocinclus (Common) need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishEmber TetraHyphessobrycon amandae |  FishOtocinclus (Common)Otocinclus vittatus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Rio das Mortes basin, Brazil | Northern and central South America |
| Family | Characidae | Loricariidae |
| Temperature | 23–29 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 1–10 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low | Medium to High |
| Min tank | 40 L | 60 L |
| Adult size | 2 cm | 3.5–5 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 2–4 yrs | 3–5 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore (algae) |
| Water column | Mid | Bottom (grazes everywhere) |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adults safe with adult shrimp) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Ember Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 23 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Ember Tetra or the Otocinclus (Common)?
The Ember Tetra is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the Otocinclus (Common) leans middle-of-the-road.
Do Ember Tetra and Otocinclus (Common) need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 23 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Ember Tetra and the Otocinclus (Common)?
Space. The Ember Tetra wants about 40 litres minimum and the Otocinclus (Common) around 60, so tank size can settle it.