Quick stats: Otocinclus size 1. Otocinclus Care The recommended Otocinclus care is relatively low-maintenance rather ; they assist you. Tank Condition The otos are often found by enthusiastic aquarists attaching their mouths to algae-covered rocks and surfaces in the wild. Tank Cleaning Otocinclus are nitrate sensitive. Water Parameters They are freshwater catfish from slow-moving small water bodies. Tank Size The Otocinclus tank size should be at least a gallon capacity aquarium.
Breeding The Otocinclus breeding is one reason aquarists can consider it a hardy fish. Tank Mates There are three significant ways to pick an Otocinclus tank mate; Water conditions: the tank mate has to be a freshwater fish and requires the same range of water temperature, PH, and hardness level.
If you put in the wrong parameters, you can endanger the otos or its tank mate. Do not try to manipulate the Otocinclus temperature range to favor the different breeds. They can get an infection, fall severely sick, or even die. Temperament: the Otocinclus are known as shy and skittish fish yet sociable. They are a very peaceful breed; you should pair them with fish with a similar temperament. For example, an aggressive tank mate would constantly try to harass and bully the otos.
Some fish are hostile about their mate or protecting their young, while others are temperamental about food and territory. If you can decide which behavioral trait is the problem and strike a balance, it would make it easier to choose a good tank. For example, if the tank mate is aggressive about their young, transfer them to a breeding tank. Size: the tank mate size is significant. Bigger fish see smaller ones as a food source and would most likely eat them.
The Otocinclus would be uncomfortable in a tank with a large fish. Fish with largemouths are a terrible choice as they would eat the otos in one bite. Here are some ideal otos tank mates. Co-specifics: the otos behave similarly. They thrive better in bigger groups but would cope in small groups. The corydoras: these catfish are an excellent option for the Otocinclus because they have similar behavioral traits. It is as shy as the otos yet social among the right-sized fish.
They are also energetic and are bottom strata breed. Invertebrates like shrimps and snails: the bamboo shrimps are ideal because they are innocuous. Apart from not having any sharp body parts for defending themselves, they are also not hostile like the otos. Snails like rabbit snails, Malaysian trumpet snails, gold Inca snails, ivory snails, Japanese trapdoor snails, Ramshorn snails, and mystery snails are all excellent tank mates for the Otocinclus. Other shrimps are red cherry shrimp, Amano shrimp, vampire shrimp, and ghost shrimps.
Be sure the algae in the tank is sufficient for all the tank mates. Crabs: unlike the shrimps, the crabs would try to grab the Otocinclus and attempt to eat them.
Also, crayfish are not ideal tank mates. There are a lot of options not to try for the benefit of your pet fish. Proper Diet The Otocinclus diet is primarily an herbivorous one. Common Feeding Issues The Otocinclus can be attached to eating only algae and refuse to eat an alternative. Steps involved in growing algae are: — Step 1 Get a sizeable transparent container; you can use an empty aquarium.
Conclusion The Otocinclus are social, but they scare easily. They are not aggressive. They get along with the corydoras breed. They are vegetarians but would occasionally eat live meals. They are picky about their mates. Their breeding is a bit challenging to perform, particularly for beginners.
They hardly grow more than a 2inch size. The otos are avid algae eaters. Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here. You have entered an incorrect email address! Most Popular. Badman's tropical fish is the largest and most comprehensive aquarium related resource on the web. Contact us: info. See More Here. Tank size minimum. Otocinclus Life span. Easy Range.
The most common nuisance in a typical aquarium is the ever-abundant fiend known as algae. It can grow on your plants, blocking light and stifling growth. In short, find a surface and it will grow! Short of periodically scrubbing every inch of your aquarium, or not allowing a single glimmer of light into your tank, what can be done to ward off this tormentor? Meet your best friend and aquatic lawnmower: the Otocinclus. The Otocinclus is a dwarf sucker-mouth catfish that only grows to be about 2 inches long.
They specialize in eating soft green algae; often this algae is hard to see without looking closely for it. The otocinclus will eat it before it grows too long and gets out of control. Peaceful tanks should find room for this little gem. Otocinclus don't have a mean bone in their body and can be housed with fry and even baby dwarf shrimp. They are at their best when they can school with others of their own kind. When stressed they will travel in a pack foraging for food. Most of the time, you'll only see this behavior when you first introduce them to your tank.
Once they settle in they should not feel threatened and will school less often. Experienced aquarists will tell you that Otocinclus are a very resilient fish.
Easier said than done. If you know anyone — hook me up. I recommend using an acclimation kit and drip method. You can check out this article here. Both plants would create a carpeting or lawn effect in the foreground of the tank. So be careful not to damage or tear the roots when planting — They have short roots and can come loss and float around.
You can just replant them. Other ways to help combat this is to avoid having large clumps of this in your tank. Thank you so much for your tips!
Your website has been, without a doubt, the most helpful and informative resource that I have. Great article. Are Ottos more active and prefer to feed during the night? Add Comment. Post Comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. And what you need to do to ensure your buddies live a long, happy and healthy life. How to Buy Healthy Otos?
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