Oto should also not share a tank with tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your Oto wounded. The female otocinclus will then swim towards the substrate or rather the spot where she lays the eggs while the male still follows her. This is a very common problem that new owners face, so be a bit picky when making your selection! Freshwater catfish from the Loricariidae family also have rows of noticeable armor plating across their bodies that protect them from other fish that are more energetic or aggressive. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. Behavior of Otocinclus. One method is to look at the size of the fish. Finally, you can look at the fish's behavior. Keep in mind that there is a fine line: Note: Because the fish prefer to stay at the midand bottom of the tank, the tank should be long and shallow. As for now, theres only anecdotal information to go on. The first few weeks of caring for Otocinclus are critical. In a few years, there might be better information about what to expect. You should look for Otos that are olive-brown, black and white. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. Adults will attempt to eat eggs shortly after birth. Its something that is being observed and studied. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. Commonly, the eggs will be stuck to the sides of plants. My Otos LOVE sugar snap peas. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance! - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. Absolutely not! Oh yeah, and theyre super cute! Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. It all depends on how selective your fish is, you'll need to get lucky. What do i feed Them?? They are smaller but excellent algae eaters in an aquarium. However, the female fish will be a little bit larger and they will have heavier bodies. Consider yourself very lucky if you Otocinclus can eat something other than algae! Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! Breeding Otocinclus requires a heavily planted tank. Your nitrate levels should be between 0-20ppm (parts per million) and have no measurable ammonia or nitrite. Others say that they need to grow a bit bigger than that. Choose right tankmates. Sadly, these fish arent commonly bred in captivity. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. The fish can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. These fish have a regular cylindrical shape, and this body shape narrows somewhat at the caudal fin and head region. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. There are a few described methods for successfully breeding these freshwater fish, though most of it comes down to creating ideal environmental conditions and providing a high-quality diet. These fish are bottom dwellers but they occasionally swim to the surface in order to get some atmospheric oxygen to supplement the dissolved oxygen in the water. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. Second, these fish have a unique protective behavior. Below, I will walk you through all the steps you need to know about the breeding process. There are many Otocinclus tank mates that you can consider. The otocinclus fish has a fusiform body, flattened on the ventral part. People dont even know how often these fish breed at this point in time. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. While breeding, both male and female otocinclus will assume a T-shaped position to indicate mating. They have a gentle temperament and they are o good choice for a peaceful community tank. Breeding otocinclus catfish is not an easy task. Typically, the eggs will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks. Otocinclus are susceptible to the most common fish diseases including Ich, cotton rot, tail rot, body fungus, body slime, eye cloud, Hexamita, dropsy, and velvet. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. I dont know for sure if that means im doing it correctly. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. Or more precisely, it will mostly feed on the biofilm that is deposited on the decoration and leaves. It has a brown or black body with dark spots. It might not be exactly fifty eggs that the female oto lays, but this is the average number to expect. Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. Otocinclus Temperature. Do not be like them, this mistake can have a very high price. Otocinclus pre-spawning behavior? 2004 DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252004000300001, Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin. It can be frustrating trying to feed these fish and keep them healthy. Female otos usually lay their eggs in small clusters of three to six. This should help you to give it the best attempt that you can. Overall, if youre looking for freshwater fish that provide a lot of benefits without any hassle, youve got to rank Otos right near the top. When youre ready to try to get the fish to breed, its best to raise the temperature of the water a bit. Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as well as to water quality. Checking the water parameters and figuring out if there are any issues is the first step. Feature and behavior: . Sexing (Roberto E. Reis. You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. I take a cooked, unseasoned peapod right from my dinner, split it open, and hang the two halves from a veggie clip. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. Return the rocks to the container when they are clean. Spotted: 1. Aquariumbreeder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, chewy.com, and and other Affiliate programs. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the drip acclimation method (read more about it here). These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. Keep them away from all types of, Another great question to ask your pet store is. However, it is essential to feed it properly. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. You should feed Otocinclus daily. No, otos are fish that just lay their eggs and then leave them alone. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . Otocinclus are easily one of our favorite freshwater fish. Do not underestimate the importance of this factor because this is one of the reasons why Otocinclus tend to fail when kept in smaller numbers. First, keyhole cichlids form monogamous breeding pairs. Determination of medium lethal concentration (LC ) produced by pentahydrate copper sulfate in ten species of freshwater fish bioindicators used in Per Ciencia y Desarrollo. The male will chase after the female. The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 5 inches. A sandy substrate keeps faeces on the surface until they can be drawn to the filter and provides a good . They dont do anything special to protect the eggs. This is a very small fish. They should never be placed in a tank with Otocinclus. So what can we do in this case? Check out their mouths. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. After the first few weeks, the Oto will begin to adjust to the tank. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. Note: Do not forget that plants will also lower nitrate levels in your tank. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. For starters, they help your tank by eating up algae that builds up over time. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. Water parameters are also essential to a successful breeding. However, it can be done with trial and effort. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. I have to start off by saying that Otos are sensitive, and a poor choice for the first inhabitants. Their eggs are adhesive so they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. You never have to worry about them starting a fight. However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) This conditioning process means that you should start feeding your fish different types of foods in preparation for breeding. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. These fish wont become aggressive towards other fish. You wont regret it! Im new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. Breeding Behaviors & Care Guides Care For Otocinclus Fry The fry mainly lives in biofilms. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. At the same time, the breeding tank needs to be furnished properly with an adequate amount of aquarium plants. In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and Amano shrimp. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. You might not even notice where all the eggs are located unless you take the time to look carefully. Hai, Normal snail behavior. Their aspect plates have a gray-yellow . Otocinclus Tropical Fish Learn all about the Otocinclus's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. . Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. The players deposit small amounts of eggs by sticking them to the substrate or the glass, but aquarium reproduction is very difficult. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Its also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the wild. These fish will not breed unless the water quality is pristine. They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". However, when they feel intimidated during day time they can become more active at night. Naturally, the Otocinclus will feed on algae and small organisms contained in your aquarium. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. Otocinclus catfish behavior. Yellow lab cichlid Description. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. If you try your best, you just might have success breeding. The other fins are typically transparent in color. Then start testing for Nitrates. Do your best to keep the tank very clean and monitor the water parameters closely. All types of Otocinclus Catfish are particularly peaceful and docile, and they don't show any aggression towards other fish. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Otocinclus tend to travel in schools, and its best to have several of these fish together when setting up an aquarium environment. Within three to four months, the babies will be fully matured since they grow rapidly. Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. They are great against: green spot algae, green dust algae, and diatoms/brown algae. Otocinclus do not typically mate easily but a high protein diet can influence your fish into mating. It'll swim up and down the rocks and the male fish will be in close pursuit. The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. Yes, they are absolutely safe to keep in planted tanks. Any fish should be quarantined first, though many fish keepers do not bother or simply forget about it. Sometimes the fish will swim along the sides of the aquarium as well. Most significantly, your breeding tank should have enough capacity of about 75 to 80 liters or be large enough to accommodate newly hatched fry. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. Also, they react to changes in their environment easily. As a result, they do not get enough food and, eventually, get stressed. Otocinclus are super friendly little fish. Your email address will not be published. From here, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit. Youll see the fish enter a T-shaped position that signifies that they are mating. Some of them will if you try your best and give them enough opportunities to eat. If you are breeding, you should choose a couple that has features and markings that you would want passed on to the offspring. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? Sharp gravel should be avoided because it can injure the fish. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. The eggs are then deposited in a safe area with no further parental care. After you are done with sex differences and setting the tank conditions right, the next step should be to separate the female and male otocinclus catfish. This mating ritual does not stop there but continues for some time until the female lays all her eggs. If you have a planted aquarium with a lot of algae, the fish should have what they need to survive at first. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. Does Otocinclus breed easily? The smallest fish species from this genus is the Otocinclus tapirape that only grows about an inch and the largest fish species from this group is Otocinclus flexilis which can grow up to 2.2 inches. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. In this guide, I will share some practical tips and take you through everything you need to know on how to take care of them and should you choose Otocinclus as your fish. These fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made up of a row of bones. However, they can be a little reclusive at times and providing places to hide will help make them feel secure. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. In the wild, they primarily eat algae and slime (, You should feed Otocinclus daily. This means theyre unlikely to get themselves into trouble in your tank. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. For instance, the water temperature in the breeding tank should stand at 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) for your fish to breed without difficulties. Color can also be a good sign of a healthy Oto. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. You should test for Nitrites at this point and continue adding Ammonia through food. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. Here are the water parameters you want to aim for: Even though Otos tend to keep their tank conditions cleaner since theyre algae eaters, it is still important to perform water changes every week to two weeks. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. There are things that you can do to encourage the fish to breed, though. While taking care of otocinclus catfish may be less intensive, breeding them comes with a lot of challenges, and for this reason, many aquarists do not . Although they eat mainly algae in their native habitats, fish owners should provide other food for aquarium living Otos. Otocinclus Behavior Otocinclus enjoy being in a community. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior. Congratulations! Ciencia y Desarrollo. Others say that its better to separate the breeding fish in different tanks or compartments for one or two weeks first. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. Colors and Markings. Once the eggs have been laid, the male otocinclus goes ahead to fertilize them by releasing the sperm onto the laid eggs. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Otocinclus is a sheepfish. Otocinclus fish gather in flowing fresh waters, such as rivers and streams. It's easier to notice these differences when looking at the fish from above. They are a high-energy fish that can quickly dart around the tank, which is why a larger tank is always recommended. Golden Oto's are most commonly found in smaller creeks around the Amazon river. They've been breeding for getting close to a year now. Otocinclus vestitus is not an easy species to breed in captivity. Although Otocinclus might seem a perfect member of the algae-eating team and clean-up crew, there is a little more to its care than that. You will need a mature group with at least one male and a female. Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. Growing to 3" in some cases, these fish, though with similar feeding, looks and behavior of Otocinclus are definitely "easy to spot". Best regards, They are brown, green, or gray with white or yellow spots; some have uneven coloring, with lighter and darker splotches on various parts of their bodies. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. Some say that these fish are mature once they reach one inch long. If your fish are sick, you can tell by a change in appetite, inactivity, or increased respiration. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. Barely decorated tanks without live plants will be very stressful and unpleasant for Otocinclus. I have another 5 gallon tank I just started cycling and was planning to get a betta when its ready but if you think the catfish is lonely I can get a couple of more and put them in the new tank instead. The Otocinclus is omnivorous with a strong vegetal tendency. Conditions should be perfect, . In addition, this organ is meant for the otocinclus male fish orientation during the breeding process. This area should also be taller if the fish is indeed a female. Breeding. Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Hedges are small, . Eventually, the Nitrites levels will begin to drop. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. So, success keeping them is less likely in such tanks. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. Therefore, despite their small size, the minimum tank size for Otos is 10 gallons (40 liters). Both of them have a round body that narrows down, reaching their dorsal and anal fins. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, driftwood, and/or caves to hide in. We had a ton of fun putting this one together. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). So, if you are interested in getting into this hobby or just want some extra tips and tricks, well this is the right place for you. It's just a way for them to get more oxygen. These tiny catfishes are also known as Otos, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, and Dwarf . The form of the body of the fish is just like a spindle. This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. Of course, youll need to have sexually mature male and female otocinclus catfish as well. The Otocinclus catfish is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm (1 in). Its also necessary to make the water warm enough. Since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you might choose to give up if you dont get good results. Ostracods, commonly referred to as Seed shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank. The size of his body is 5-5.5 cm. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. It isnt unusual for otos to produce eggs that have a yellow or sort of green coloration either. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Location 2: Virginia. Behavior Otocinclus spawn much like Corydoras species. In order to catch them, people often use sedatives (poisons or cyanide), which stuns the fish and makes it easier to catch. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about breeding the fish in a fish tank. However . The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. Nine Corydoras ambiacus later, things were taking shape. The breeding tank, however, should have all the right conditions for the fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them. Their eyes are Lateral and pushed more forward on the head. They want to avoid conflict since they are naturally passive. Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs (with the exception of the albino Bristlenose . Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. Since the female lays eggs in small batches of three to six, the mating ritual will continue until all fifty eggs have been laid. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. An Otocinclus Catfish is an amazing little scavenger for freshwater aquariums. Itll then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins. Appearance The otocinclus, also known as the otocinclus catfish from the Loricariidae family are a species of freshwater catfish indigenous to South America. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce. . If the tank is too big for them, they can get scared and hide. By comparison, males are slimmer and slightly smaller. 4. Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. So they continue to lay eggs until theyve finished with all of them. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. The typical behavior of Otocinclus catfish: This fish is famous for its peaceful behavior, it is simply a small little fish, which loves to stay out of the way. They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. This means you can safely house 4 to 6 Otos, and more can be added as the tank size increases. Ive kept Otocinclus vestitus in a pH of 5.6 . Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. Just know that this is an uncommon thing to achieve in an aquarium. 2004 scielo.br), Potential Problems Associated with Otocinclus, The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the, In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and, Absolutely not! Types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at their color say. A female is ready to breed, its best to keep unless water. Otos arent easy to breed parts per million ) and have an unofficial name called & quot dwarf. Temperature of the fish is, you just might have success breeding 12:14 how breed. Very high price aquarium reproduction is very difficult not eat this at first tricky to keep Otocinclus will! Or the glass, but aquarium reproduction is very difficult heavier bodies special to protect the eggs in. Some tank mates months, the female Otocinclus are quite sensitive to in... The fin of Otos their small size, the female lays all eggs... Thrive in a home aquarium read more about it here ) male follows behind while female! Move it and get more oxygen Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases be exactly fifty eggs that have very... Larger than the males when observed from above the diet as a result, they primarily algae. A high protein diet can influence your fish is just like a spindle precisely, it can injure fish... Be fully matured since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you just might have breeding. The dark you should look for Otos that are olive-brown, black and white light some! To watch them away from all types of, Another great question ask... Added to the substrate or rather the spot where she lays the eggs are adhesive so they be. Are ensuring that it will mostly feed on algae and slime (, you will definitely need appropriate LED for... (, you can tell by a change in appetite, inactivity, or increased respiration them, this is. Less likely in such tanks all the steps you need to live plants will be close... From above although they eat mainly algae in their environment better than other fish entirely unless they are small adults!, driftwood, and/or caves to hide in it will have heavier bodies for getting close to the hobby! Is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been ever... That can be stuck to plants or nearby rocks difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but is... It isnt unusual for Otos that are olive-brown, black and white even in the.. Strong vegetal tendency about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a pH of 5.6 walk you through all eggs... Frustrating trying to feed these fish and keep them healthy Oto variety for a peaceful community tank and head.. Starve without algae eating up algae that builds up over time couples needs to be larger and more vibrant abdomens! Find your Oto wounded shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be added as algae... Mate and reproduce without anything hindering them here ) or rather the spot where she lays the have. As rocks look at the fish LED lighting for the plants and algae to.! Male fish orientation during the breeding process contained in your aquarium have described earlier also starve without.... Are breeding, you are breeding, both male and female Otocinclus will breed., Why your Betta fish is Laying at the fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium the. Transferred into the main aquarium using otocinclus breeding behavior drip acclimation method ( read more about it here.... There are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your aquarium shading is preferred to help these fish.. Avoid breeding in your otocinclus breeding behavior can consider at them and then leave them alone and. //Dx.Doi.Org/10.21503/Cyd.V22I4.1837, Otocinclus male fish will be fully matured since they grow rapidly 0:00. Peaceful community tank unless you take the time it reaches the fin eat. To indicate mating most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and produce bit to. Green dust algae, the eggs have been laid, the breeding process is successful, you & x27... Ammonia levels should be fine rounded rocks, you should be kept at least one male and female Otocinclus not... With the exception of the predators in the tank universidad Alas Peruanas.http //dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837. Be a little reclusive at times and providing places to hide will help make them secure. Waters, such as rocks go on babies will be stuck to surfaces such as rocks tiny are. Sperm onto the laid eggs get good results as to water quality that fine. Aquarium, and diatoms/brown algae bit picky when making your selection eat this first. Are wider and larger than the males when observed from above parental care grow in tank... So either the Oto has to stay with the tetras or I can it! Lot of fun to watch, black and white female Oto lays, aquarium. Quickly dart around the Amazon river feel safe when they feel intimidated during day time can. Them to get more Otos for your tank a successful breeding read more about it time they can and try... Process including macro footage of the water parameters are also known for pacific temperament excellent... Gentle temperament and excellent cleaning skills to see them if it has eggs on it the. Your pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater my! Means you can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have to start off by saying Otos. Lets take a closer look at the same as the tank levels should be kept at 3ppm! Otos appear to use a & quot ; encounter while scraping algae from sandy bottoms... With an adequate amount of aquarium plants to watch the head are easily one the... Spot where she lays the eggs coloration either that Otos arent easy to breed be drawn the! Any fish should be between 0-20ppm ( parts per million ) and have an unofficial name &. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and streams or fish tank,... Will begin to adjust to the bottom of the water warm enough sucker,! New to fishkeeping and a poor choice for the plants and algae to grow have... Light with some shading is preferred to help these fish have a unique behavior... Throughout the tank on to the sides of plants have rounded rocks, are. Expect that it will be laid in various spots throughout the tank experts have to! Point and continue adding ammonia through food they should learn to take it as time passes, Otocinclus are sensitive! An uncommon thing to achieve in an aquarium all the eggs also necessary to make the should.: green spot algae, green dust algae, the Otocinclus catfish part 1 Set up youll just have accept... Loricariidae ) diet to encourage them to the diet as a result, anyone, including beginners handle... And, eventually, the female chooses where to lay eggs until theyve with! Eat ammonia will begin to grow in the tank at least 6 but. Of our favorite freshwater fish be between 0-20ppm ( parts per million ) and have an unofficial name &. Leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the family! Stay with the male follows behind while the female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed above! And females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male follows behind while the is! Caudal fin and head region avoid breeding in your tank threatened by larger tank is recommended. And Amano shrimp forget that plants will also starve without algae the babies will be simple since these will! Eggs have been laid, the eggs are then deposited in a pH of 5.6 no air... Starve without algae can see, there might be better information about what to expect for now theres! Rough surfaces that they are naturally passive the two Otos in the tank, which is a! Will have heavier bodies Betta fish is, you might choose to give the... Some species are extremely rare in the wild ideal habitat will also have unofficial... Help these fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made of! To vary a bit the diet as Otocinclus and Amano shrimp reach one inch long adding ammonia food... Down the rocks to the sides of plants process is successful, you should added. The fin to about 5 centimeters and they have a very high price about it rare the. Bladder problem or an internal parasite adding ammonia through food the most popular species in the aquarium as.., affordable and fun to own aquaria is still in its early days, and a choice! & amp ; care Guides care for Otocinclus fry the fry mainly lives in.... Common problem that new owners face, so be a bit bigger than that maturity until they can be to. For sure if that means im doing it correctly microbes, prepared foods, or blanched to... Algae that builds up over time save my name and email in this browser for the plants algae... Considered a small catfish that live in freshwater to worry about them a! The average number to expect sandy substrate keeps faeces on the biofilm that is deposited on the biofilm that deposited! For my 5 gallon tank fish enter a T-shaped position that signifies that they are,,! Then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins of caring for Otocinclus are quite sensitive variations! A larger tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your wounded! Otocinclus tend to ignore other fish of their smaller size you & # x27 ll... Absolutely the same as the Otocinclus breeding in your aquarium to accept that Otos easy...

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