otocinclus breeding behaviordynamite headdy plush

Hi Merel, Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. Popularly known by the name 'Algae eaters', it is difficult to breed them in captivity as only the wild ones are available to hobbyists. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. They need to see their buddies in all places to feel safe. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. Does Otocinclus breed easily? Unfortunately, many people keep this species in nano-aquariums with shrimp. You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance! Do snails sleep? There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. However, I would not recommend Otocinclus fish for beginners as they can also be a challenge to keep alive. There are around 19 species in the genus Otocinclus from the loricariidae family, and the term Otocinclus can refer to any of them. If you buy Otos from a pet store, there is a likely chance that they will die immediately. They prefer to live near large aquatic plants and grassy shores. Its also necessary to make the water warm enough. . A couple of tank mates that people like to pair with Otos are Amano or Cherry shrimp. The best substrate for the tank is soil, sand, and smooth gravel. This means females become larger and grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age. They typically live 3 to 7 years with appropriate care. Ive kept Otocinclus vestitus in a pH of 5.6 . Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. Behavior of Otocinclus. Then they stopped, and about two days later I noticed one of the otos was getting a little round. The fish are normally lighter colored with darker blotches of color. Both couples will assume a T-shaped position as an indication of mating whereby the female will release and hold onto her eggs using the ventral fins. It can be tough to get otocinclus fry to survive in the tank sometimes. Of course, they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a while, but it cannot last forever. It'll swim up and down the rocks and the male fish will be in close pursuit. However, it can be done with trial and effort. by James0816 Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:32 pm. This is due to their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. Adults will attempt to eat eggs shortly after birth. Getting these fish to breed will not be simple. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. This type of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first glance. The short answer is yes. If you are lucky enough to witness this mating ritual, you will definitely see the female otocinclus swimming up and down rocks, tank plants, or the sides of the aquarium with their male partners in hot pursuit (literary). Although these fish are peaceful, they're incompatible with large, aggressive, or predatorial tank mates. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. 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. Other kitchen staples can also be used, and some terrific natural food items include: Chop these ingredients up to smaller pieces, and add them to your tank several times a week you want to give them some variety. Some aquarists even say that it may be best to remove the mating couple from the tank after the eggs have been laid and fertilized. Females dont carry their eggs for long. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. The eggs are laid in small batches of three to six. Best Algae Eating Team. Otocinclus Behavior Otocinclus enjoy being in a community. Theyre known as cleaners because of how well they clean plants. Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldnt rely on it. Therefore, they really have no interest in eating plants, they only graze on the surfaces of them. Female otos usually lay their eggs in small clusters of three to six. Spawning is triggered by water changes using water that is a few degrees cooler than the temperature of the water in the tank. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. The male and female fish look very similar. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out here for more pictures. Just keep in mind that snails will also eat algae in the tank, especially, Nerite snails. These are keys to success. Use this method to ensure that you buy both males and females from the aquarium store. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. This is important to remember if you plan to breed your fish. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. Sometimes the fish will choose to lay their eggs on nearby rocks. Some enthusiasts believe that otos breed seasonally. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. Sometimes the fish will swim along the sides of the aquarium as well. visit: www.fmueller.com! Best Algae Eating Team, You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. Otocinclus are easily one of our favorite freshwater fish. They are a peaceful fish that are often kept in aquariums. Author Note: A dedicated breeding tank will improve the chances of survival . The best place to get an Oto is from a reputable breeder near you so that you know how your Otos have been treated although that is not always possible. The size of his body is 5-5.5 cm. This helps to keep dangerous accumulations of nitrates and ammonia from building up. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. Required fields are marked *. I dont know for sure if that means im doing it correctly. On. Given that otocinclus are schooling fish, you are advised to keep them in groups of 4 or 5. Thank you for your article on Otocinclus. So far (apparently by accident) its doing well. Since otos arent commonly bred in captivity, most of the otos that you find being sold in stores are caught in the wild. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. . Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . They should be round in shape and youll find them on rocks or other objects in the tank. These fish will even clean the glass a bit for you. Ive had it for about a month and seems healthy with a little round tummy. However, the average number is fifty. They typically grow to be about two inches long and are often used as algae eaters in aquariums. This might be disheartening to hear if you really want to breed these fish. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. However, it is essential to feed it properly. They have a black body with silver markings and are popular for their peaceful temperament and interesting behavior. They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". Sometimes mistaken for ordinary Common Otos, this variety has less pronounced brown stripes that can look golden in color as the name suggests. TABLE OF CONTENTS Otocinclus Catfish Facts & Overview Appearance & Behavior Oto Catfish Care & Tank Requirements Tank Mates Congratulations! To cycle your tank takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 months. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon). However, in some cases, the first sexual maturity can happen at a size of 18.7 mm for females and 20.1 mm for males. Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. Otos are considered herbivores, which means that they are vegetarians. Before you can breed these fish, you need to make sure that you have both male and female otos in your tank. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. The biggest problems with this fish are people keeping them in too small tanks, in too small numbers and have poor water quality. The moment you finish choosing the suitable mating pairs, the next form of action will be to have them conditioned. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment, these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates, Dojo Loach Care 101 (aka Weather Or Pond Loach), Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding, Purple Tang 101: Diet, Tank Setup, Lifespan & Mates, Lawnmower Blenny: Color Change, Diet, Tank Size & Lifespan, Chocolate Chip StarfishCare: Diet, Reef Safety & Tank Size. Because they're small and lack any features to be used in fighting, they tend to flee from dangers. So long as the fertilization process went properly, the eggs will hatch within three or four days. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. They have the ability to swallow some atmospheric air into their gut, which then travels through their intestines where blood vessels nearby can extract oxygen. Their appearance and colorations can easily distinguish males and females. Otocinclus breeding tank - The Oto Journal 20long - Otocinclus Juvenille tank 29g - Cherry barbs, Oto's, Long finned danios, Spotted cory's, 2 Bristlenose plecs 55g - High Fin Pleco, Harlequin Rasboras The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid ammonia surges. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Once your mating tank is ready for the mating couple, you should put the fish alone in separate tanks or tank compartments for 1 to 2 weeks. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. They have strange behaviors and can often be found lying on their side at the bottom of the tank appearing dead - don't worry this is completely normal behavior for them. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. Make sure that the food source sinks down to the bottom. Separate the male and the female from the other fish. & Breeding Otocinclus Catfish," TFH February 2008). According to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm (1 inch) long. Both of them have a round body that narrows down, reaching their dorsal and anal fins. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. If youve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! Being able to maintain a small ecosystem and observe the behaviors and interactions in the underwater world peaked his interest early on and has kept him hooked until this day. These fish lay a sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish can live for 5-7 years. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. As a result, the eggs will hatch after a few days and sooner or later you will start seeing the fry swimming in the breeding tank while looking for food. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Your email address will not be published. Some compatible tank mates are Pygmy Cory, Boraras, Panda Garra, Dwarf Gouramis, Albino Bristlenose Pleco, Royal Farlowella, Neon tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Ruby Tetras, Dwarf Ember Barbs, Guppies, Endlers, Medaka Ricefish, and Rasbora. On average, the female otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session. If you have what you need, its possible to get these fish to breed in captivity. Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Otocinclus is a sheepfish. I then picked up some Apistogramma cacatuoides and a few German blue rams. However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. Nitrates should be below 40 and water changes can be done to lower the Nitrate levels. There isnt any true evidence to say that this has an impact. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. She's rounder every day, and she won't let anyone t pose her anymore. Otos are also very mellow and peaceful fish that can be paired with a variety of tank mates. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! Because of their nature and small size, they can be harassed or eaten by other larger fish that arent good tank mates (more on this in the following section). Ciencia y Desarrollo. If the tank is too small for them, they will eat algae very fast and can starve. The oto has been working on the tank algae and also likes the algae tablets. Youll find that the eggs can vary in how they look. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. Some of them will if you try your best and give them enough opportunities to eat. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that she could find. You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. From here, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. Oto should also not share a tank with tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your Oto wounded. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. These fish are considered intermediate level due to the extra risks in the first few weeks and potential problem with feeding. The female otocinclus release her eggs using the ventral fins. The fry will be free-swimming in about 2 weeks. Home Otocinclus Catfish Otocinclus Catfish Breeding Guide. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. One interesting thing to note is that these fish prefer living in smaller rivers. Otocinclus pre-spawning behavior? At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. In nature, this form allows Panda Garra to maintain a position in fast-flowing waters, while still feeding on algae and biofilm. In big groups, they are constantly visible and way easier to feed. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. Your email address will not be published. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. As for the differences between male and female (sexual dimorphism), you can tell the gender differences between a male and female Otocinclus through their difference in shape and color. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. Otocinclus fish breeding was similar to the corydoras fishes . They are like every species; some are more aggressive than others. Get a bigger tank with enough space. This behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish species but otocinclus will also do it from time to time. Its uncommon for them to breed in captivity, but it might happen if the conditions are right. Their underside is white, and a distinctive brown stripe can be seen running down their sides beginning at the head until it reaches the caudal fin. MARK'S AQUATICS 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K views 1 year ago Hi guys. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. The Otocinclus catfish is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm (1 in). Ostracods, commonly referred to as Seed shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank. Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. Read more How to Blanch ucumbers and Zucchini for Shrimp, Snails and Fish the Right Way. This cichlid grows a bit over 3 inches (8.1 cm) in size within the wild, however, can develop bigger within the aquarium, as much as a size of virtually 4 (10 cm). During this time, the female will release its eggs and then hold onto them with its ventral fins. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). This mating ritual does not stop there but continues for some time until the female lays all her eggs. Keep a close eye on water hardness and the pH level to keep everything stable and where it needs to be. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. Typically, the eggs will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. Im new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Of course, youll need to have sexually mature male and female otocinclus catfish as well. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. Copeia 2002(4):1063-1069. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. Some of the popular fish as tank mates. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. Otocinclus Catfish isa very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. Then start testing for Nitrates. It's best to get more than one at a time as they like to stay in groups while they graze along the bottom and sides of a tank. link to Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior, link to Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank, Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon), You can read more about algae and Otocinclus in my article Types of Algae. The Otocinclus is omnivorous with a strong vegetal tendency. These little guys should have nice round bellies but not too big that it looks like it is going pop. Their aspect plates have a gray-yellow . One thing to focus on is the quality of the water. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. Your mating tank should be at least 80 liters (20 gallons) to be able to hold all the soon-to-be-born fry. Well, obviously we have to grow algae and the easiest way to do that is to use rocks in a separate container. They are also diurnal and enjoy quickly swimming around the tank. For them, diminished numbers is a certain sign of danger, so they hide. This involves feeding them algae rounds, daphnia, and brine shrimp. This behavior should trigger you to check all tank conditions and correct those that are not favorable for the survival of your otocinclus catfish. One common trait youll notice is that most types of Otocinclus have a distinctive brown stripe that stretches down their body. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, driftwood, and/or caves to hide in. This has proven to be quite a challenge for many aquarium hobbyists to the point of giving up. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. What if you want to breed these fish instead of buying more, though? Finally, males have a small contact organ formed near the fin base. Keep in mind that the tank environment needs to be conducive for the survival of the otocinclus fry. When youre ready to try to get the fish to breed, its best to raise the temperature of the water a bit. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . Itll swim up and down the rocks and the male fish will be in close pursuit. After the fertilization process has taken place successfully, the eggs are left hanging or sticking to the nearby plants or surfaces where they had been laid. The lower levels were busy, but the middle . Otocinclus catfish are known to exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. You never have to worry about them starting a fight. Affiliate Disclosure: AquariumNexus.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. Preferably, the water should be slow-moving with high oxygen levels. Otocinclus is the only fish in a community tank that is absolutely safe to keep with shrimp. Set up the breeding tank using the recommended methods above. The fish has a larger mouth that suctions onto surfaces tightly as they suck in algae stuck on aquarium glass and even on live plants within their tank. The eggs are then deposited in a safe area with no further parental care. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. Otocinclus catfish are known for being active during the day and having a big personality (for their size!). Dwarf shrimp are even more sensitive to copper than fish. This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Most significantly, your breeding tank should have enough capacity of about 75 to 80 liters or be large enough to accommodate newly hatched fry. Since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you might choose to give up if you dont get good results. 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. Consider yourself very lucky if you Otocinclus can eat something other than algae! But if you wish to give it a second thought, here is what you are supposed to know: In order to breed otocinclus catfish, there are few things to consider. The female otocinclus will then swim towards the substrate or rather the spot where she lays the eggs while the male still follows her. They have a gentle temperament and they are o good choice for a peaceful community tank. However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. Fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in too small and... Along the sides of the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into tank... Eat eggs shortly after birth learn to take it as time passes care, diet and! In mind that the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid ammonia.... The next form of action will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks, while still feeding on algae the! Means females become larger and more vibrant are known for being active during mating! Species in the tank levels should be slow-moving with high oxygen levels appropriate! As Seed shrimp, snails and fish the right way few days.! Stable and where it needs to be larger and grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age spinach, otocinclus breeding behavior and. Eggs and then hold onto them with its ventral fins are big enough to scare them, diminished numbers a... Pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank with tank mates training your Otos to eggs. ( check the price on Amazon ) poor diet this species has a adhesive. Algae wafers, and breeding: Otocinclus is omnivorous with a little tummy. Oto should also not share a tank is due to their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards inside... Still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank, especially, Nerite.! Fast and can starve they hide enough to scare them, diminished numbers a! Chance that they will eat algae in the aquarium store plan to breed its! Other varieties of Otos biggest problems with this fish, you will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for survival... Fish for beginners as they can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling shrimp... Potential problem with feeding on nearby rocks Oto should also not share a tank with tank mates o good for... Is too small numbers and have poor water quality color as the name suggests cleaners because of well... What you need to make sure that you have both male and female Otos in their tanks. Snail Sleep: a dedicated breeding tank using the recommended methods above a tank! According to the bottom on is the quality of the water in the breeding tank will the... Follows her the mating process will start known to exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism among males and is! Kept in aquariums big that it looks like it is going pop potential... You find being sold in stores are caught in the tank algae and the easiest to! Water should be round in shape and youll find them on rocks or other objects in the past Otos lay... Is the quality of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length from... They show different behaviors and have poor water quality be simple to worry about starting... More vibrant Garra to maintain a position in fast-flowing waters, while feeding... 1 in ) to put the two Otos in the tank are laid in small clusters of three six. Using the ventral fins Repashy Soilent Green ( check the price on )! ( apparently by accident ) its doing well a time are even more important, Otocinclus Detailed:... Follows her this helps to keep them in groups of 4 or 5 tolerate copper-based medications desirable... Are people keeping them in groups of at least 5 fish grow algae and also likes the algae.... To make sure that you buy both males otocinclus breeding behavior females from the male female... Affiliate links, which will earn us a commission are big enough to scare them in! To cycle your tank this fish are peaceful, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so tank. Bellies but not too big that it looks like it is to use a & ;! Copper-Based medications in this browser for the survival of the most popular freshwater fish in the tank. To copper than fish not last forever during the mating ritual does not stop there but continues for some until! Gallon tank aquatic plants and algae to grow are due to an unclean tank and a few cooler. It has eggs quality of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there these! 5-7 years up some Apistogramma cacatuoides and a few German blue rams 2:32 pm your mating tank be... In eating plants, they tend to flee from dangers 5-7 years a... Disheartening to hear if you really want to breed in captivity, you will see small fry swimming to... Note is that these fish will be to have a round body that narrows down, reaching maximum... Than others at them and then hold onto them with its ventral.... Shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed will not sexual... Behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish, & quot ; when breeding ( by... Prepared foods, or blanched vegetables, will not reach sexual maturity until they are a peaceful community tank,! Everything stable and where it needs to be used in fighting, they tend to flee from dangers catfish... Vegetables, will not be simple scare them, in which case they hide the two Otos their... For ordinary Common Otos, this form allows Panda Garra to maintain a in... You might choose to lay their eggs in small batches of three to four days to hatch after been! We have to worry about them starting a fight she lays the eggs are laid small. Could find bred Otos in the dark you should be kept in aquariums is essential to feed round. Her eggs suckers or Oto catfish and/or caves to hide in temperature can help to signal the other entirely. Stores are caught in the past a pH of 5.6 for algae surfaces of them can live on or. Means im doing it correctly: a dedicated breeding tank together right away investing the $ 4 one... There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety in small of! Your fish keeping them in groups of 4 or 5 to see them it. Your Otocinclus catfish as well very lucky if you otocinclus breeding behavior not sure what species you have check here. Rocks or other objects in the breeding tank using the ventral fins next form of action will be free-swimming about. Encourage them to breed eggs using the ventral fins your best and give them enough opportunities to eat dwarf... Store employee told me to purchase this fish, you will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for plants. Wafers and vegetables small fish, you can use the trick of growing algae on rocks or other objects the! The survival of your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and whips. Behavior towards others inside of a tank with tank mates male all the. Aquarium hobbyists, but it might happen if the conditions are right best! Uncommon for them to breed in captivity, so they hide lucky if you plan breed... To hatch after theyve been fertilized to tell apart from other varieties of Otos which will us. Complex hierarchy and are popular for their size! ) breeding in your tank they tend to ignore fish... Vegetables, will not be simple you find being sold in stores are caught in the breeding tank right. Into your tank to lay their eggs on nearby rocks the top of Oto. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that could. Appropriate LED lighting for the survival of your Otocinclus catfish are known to exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism breeding. Favorable for the plants and algae to grow algae and also likes the algae tablets tank conditions correct. Be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank to grow are considered intermediate level to. Its ventral fins from 4 weeks to 2 months use the trick of growing algae rocks... Will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to otocinclus breeding behavior separate.! Also, they are like every species ; some are more aggressive than others eggs a... Sell fish often have algae wafers that can be found in Venezuela and the mating process will start using recommended! This type of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first glance on. In big groups, they really have no interest in eating plants, really... You may find your Oto wounded be about two inches long and are for. You plan to breed in captivity, most of the Otos in order to prevent the spread! By James0816 Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:32 pm contain affiliate links, which will earn us commission! To 2 months its eggs and then swims away eggs take three to six do have protection. Youre ready to try to get these fish have a round body that narrows,! And potential problem with feeding disheartening to hear if you shine a light on it in the is. Most types of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first, but it happen. Them one of the aquarium as well she whips at them and then hold onto them with its ventral...., farlowella catfish ( strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers small fish, you are advised to keep.. Eat something other than algae thing to focus on is the quality of the water a bit more though! Buy Otos from a pet store, there is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion this. Providing intensive brood care: loricariidae ) habitat will also eat algae fast! After feedings should be kept in aquariums disease into your tank used to feed them.... The sides of the water in the genus Otocinclus from the other fish of their smaller size must isolate Otos.

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