However . There are many Otocinclus tank mates that you can consider. Examples of foods that contain high proteins include live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and also algae wafers. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. . Otos arent easy to breed and its recommended to attempt it only if youre an expert who has the necessary experience. & Breeding Otocinclus Catfish," TFH February 2008). It isnt unusual for otos to produce eggs that have a yellow or sort of green coloration either. . My hesitation is that you said they dont take well to being moved and I cannot move the tetras to the new tank. It is recommended that you raise the water temperature in the tank by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit above the normal one in order to facilitate the breeding process. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. Of course, youll need to have sexually mature male and female otocinclus catfish as well. The couple will assume a T-shaped position. You will need a mature group with at least one male and a female. Brazilian Journal of Biology. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. They want to avoid conflict since they are naturally passive. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. Otocinclus Catfish acts as a placing instance of an aquarium cleaner. There isnt any true evidence to say that this has an impact. Male start to chase females. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Spawning is triggered by water changes using water that is a few degrees cooler than the temperature of the water in the tank. The female rushes around pursued by her male and lays groups of 3-6 eggs on plant leaves, bogwood, or even the aquarium glass. 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 come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior & Temperament As already stated, Otocinclus Catfish are very social creatures and will often shoal together. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. The male and female fish look very similar. Some people call these docile fish dwarf suckers or otos as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. You do not want such things to rot if not eaten. Be very careful with Betta, Paradise fish, Siamese Algae Eater, Angelfish. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. Boraras; Cory cats; Tetra; Rasbora; Breeding. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. Some of them will if you try your best and give them enough opportunities to eat. 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 They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. 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. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. Behavior. 2023 Copyright Shrimp and Snail Breeder, Otos, Ottos, Dwarf suckers, Oto cat, Dwarf Suckermouth, Dwarf Sucking Catfish, and Midget Sucker Fish, They typically live 3 to 7 years with appropriate care. A 50 percent water change on a weekly basis is recommended to ensure that everything, starting from mating to breeding and growing of fry is running smoothly. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. They can measure between 4 and 5 centimeters (1.5 2 inches) in length and have an elongated shape, rounded on the back and flattened ventrally. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. The plants will play a critical role in holding the clusters of eggs in place after they have been laid. Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. Therefore, its important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. It can be frustrating trying to feed these fish and keep them healthy. They are great against: green spot algae, green dust algae, and diatoms/brown algae. Then the male will swim away from the female. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. These fish wont become aggressive towards other fish. This conditioning process means that you should start feeding your fish different types of foods in preparation for breeding. Even beginners can have an easy time with them. If the tank is too big for them, they can get scared and hide. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Otocinclus is a sheepfish. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. The colors and patterns that youll find on these fish are also very impressive. 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. Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. Copeia 2002(4):1063-1069. Set up the breeding tank using the recommended methods above. You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. 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. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. They make an awesome community species, but they certainly are not peaceful community fish! Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. You might not even notice where all the eggs are located unless you take the time to look carefully. 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. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. These peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves. However, the average number is fifty. They've been breeding for getting close to a year now. I dont know for sure if that means im doing it correctly. 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. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. Test Nitrite and Ammonia for a few weeks. People dont even know how often these fish breed at this point in time. The oto is pretty active day and night. It is a bottom-dweller that feeds on algae. This means females become larger and grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age. 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. Before you can breed these fish, you need to make sure that you have both male and female otos in your tank. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. 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. Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. Theres a good chance that you have at least one male and one female, but you might not be able to tell the fish apart. 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. Fill it with water. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. 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 minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance! Behavior Otocinclus are shy, solitary fish with unique eating habits. Your email address will not be published. Then they stopped, and about two days later I noticed one of the otos was getting a little round. Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs (with the exception of the albino Bristlenose . Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. Breeding otocinclus catfish is not an easy task. Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. Yellow lab cichlid Description. Next, remove the shell and feed it to your Otocinclus. They are a popular option for aquariums of all sizes due to their peaceful nature, entertaining shoaling behaviors and their algae eating abilities. Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and Amano shrimp. What do i feed Them?? They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. Behavior & Temperament. 2002DOI: 10.1643/0045-8511(2002)002[1063:OTANHC]2.0.CO;2, Otocinclus batmani, a new species of hypoptopomatine catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Colombia and Peru. The bigger fish may attack or even eat the otocinclus fish. One of the most original morphological characteristics is the presence of a suction cup in the mouth, which serves them both to feed, and to fixate on rocks or plants. They are a peaceful fish that are often kept in aquariums. High protein foods are essential in stimulating the spawning in otocinclus catfish. Some enthusiasts believe that otos breed seasonally. All Rights Reserved. The lower levels were busy, but the middle . by James0816 Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:32 pm. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This is an interesting observation among the otocinclus catfish because they dont display reputable parental care or instincts that are common in a number of different classes of tank fish. These tiny catfishes are also known as Otos, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, and Dwarf . Read more information in my, You can read my article to learn more about it , If you need copper-free or safe plant fertilizers, I strongly recommend reading, You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. . This means theyre unlikely to get themselves into trouble in your tank. This is how Otocinclus breed in their natural environments. The Otocinclus catfish is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm (1 in). They typically live 3 to 7 years with appropriate care. If youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the tank before too long. Once the eggs have been laid, the otos will go back to their usual routine without worrying about the eggs. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. Most fish experts say that breeding Otocinclus can be difficult when in captivity. 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. You will also notice that it is easy for larger fishes to eat these fishes because of their peaceful behavior. Save . Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. Its said that a water temperature of 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for breeding these fish. Nine Corydoras ambiacus later, things were taking shape. Otocinclus Catfish may also be sold as: Otos, Oto Catfish, Otto Cats, Ottos, Dwarf Suckermouths, Dwarf Oto, Dwarf Ottos, Dwarf Suckers, Algae Scrapers, Macrotocinclus affinis and Otocinclus affinis.Although Otocinclus Catfish are algae eaters, they should not be confused with other similar looking fish also sold as . Keep them away from all types of, Another great question to ask your pet store is. Theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium and look great! This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. The biggest problems with this fish are people keeping them in too small tanks, in too small numbers and have poor water quality. Absolutely not! 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! Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that she could find. Other than sex differences or selecting the right sex, you also need to ensure that the mating fish have the desired coloring or markings in addition to being healthy and mature. 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. . Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. The transit to the pet store is hard on fish. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. This should help you to give it the best attempt that you can. They dont have a reputation for being attentive parent fish. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. They prefer to live near large aquatic plants and grassy shores. 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. Now i have a lot of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they Will survive. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. Water parameters are also essential to a successful breeding. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. Do Otocinclus Need Friends? Otocinclus vestitus is not an easy species to breed in captivity. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. Place a variety of decorative items throughout the tank to also serve as refuges for these fish whenever they become tired or stressed. On this blog, I share all the things I learn about shrimp breeding as I go. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Otocinclus care and any additional information that will be helpful if youre an owner. As such, tank conditions, the size, spawning behavior, and breeding environment are essential if you want to have a successful breeding. Home Otocinclus Catfish Otocinclus Catfish Breeding Guide. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. To get the fish to breed, its recommended to feed them a high-protein diet. Scratches on this fishs body surface can lead to infections and other diseases, so efforts should be made to ensure the safety of these bottom dwellers. Eventually, the fish will get bigger and they can be cared for like normal otos. Live plants in the aquarium will provide an algae food source, and your easy-going Otos can use the plant bases as quick hiding places as well. Otocinclus ( pronounced Otto-sin-klus ), referred to as Ottos or Otos in the aquarium trade, are a genus of small herbivorous suckerfish in the Loricariidae or armored catfish family. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. The female will lay her eggs in the tank and the male will fertilize them. The fish that are sold for up to $4 per fish are normally fatter and healthier. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. Breeding Otocinclus is easy and can be done in an aquarium. In general, these fish spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank since this is where the algae tends to be. Do snails sleep? Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. Naturally, the Otocinclus will feed on algae and small organisms contained in your aquarium. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. You can easily breed otocinclus fish in a 20-gallon aquarium. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. 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. breeding answer #2 Fishby 5 years ago They are a high-energy fish that can quickly dart around the tank, which is why a larger tank is always recommended. So, if you are planning to seriously breed shrimp, you cannot allow any fish in the tank! Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. Home Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity?). Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your tank. No, otos are fish that just lay their eggs and then leave them alone. This is because otocinclus catfish are some of the few species of tank fish that are difficult to breed. So they continue to lay eggs until theyve finished with all of them. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, driftwood, and/or caves to hide in. Ciencia y Desarrollo. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. Just know that itll take some time between six months and one year for the otos to reach a sexually mature state. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. This involves feeding them algae rounds, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. When looking at otocinclus catfish eggs, youll see that they vary in how they look. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. What if you want to breed these fish instead of buying more, though? Thread starter James0816; Start date Aug 31, 2007; . Breeding Otos. They are also referred to as otto fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation of oto fish. 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. Males fertilize the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve been laid. On. This isolation should last for a few weeks. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. Given that otocinclus catfish do not mate that easily, you will have to keep a close eye on their ability to display courting behavior before taking further steps. The fish may also change colors and produce spots. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. Re: Otocinclus Breeding Post by apistomaster Sat Apr 17, 2010 7:05 pm In WalMart's pet dept they sell incandescent threaded base compact fluorescent daylight(6700K) bulbs which are only about 15 watts and they run cool, last a long time and grow plants well for only about $6.00 each. Otocinclus graze constantly on algae on all surfaces. These fish will even clean the glass a bit for you. However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. Sexing (Roberto E. Reis. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. You can easily see that the female fish is wider than the male. Check out their mouths. Every female can have from 16 to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size. Breeding Otocinclus vestitus. The next day, Ill find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a peapod with all the green goodness sucked out of it. 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. ), The male and female fish look very similar. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. Otocinclus Catfish are also very active fish and will often swim around the tank in search of food. Also, they react to changes in their environment easily. The fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well. Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. That is why water parameters like the temperature, pH, and hardness need to be at the optimum levels for the otocinclus catfish to breed properly. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. You can read my article to learn more about it The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp. Fast-growing plants typically consume dissolved nutrients and carbon dioxide before algae have an opportunity to feed and grow. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Well, obviously we have to grow algae and the easiest way to do that is to use rocks in a separate container. They might also be closer to a cream color. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. They are like every species; some are more aggressive than others. If you have what you need, its possible to get these fish to breed in captivity. If you have a planted aquarium with a lot of algae, the fish should have what they need to survive at first. Sad fact: Do you know that almost all Otocinclus are wild-caught? Which are flooded with plant life. In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. Colors and Markings. The fish also create high interaction with other fish in the tank, provided they are compatible. Otocinclus lay eggs all around the tank on plants. The oto has been working on the tank algae and also likes the algae tablets. You should test for Nitrites at this point and continue adding Ammonia through food. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. Try to feed them very tiny pieces of zucchini. Some fish will reach sexual maturity in six to nine months. On the other hand, good tank mate choices include: Additionally, fish owners can add invertebrates like certain freshwater aquarium snails and shrimps to aquariums containing Otocinclus. Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank. Most people who have success breeding otos are experienced. 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. These fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made up of a row of bones. Otocinclus are herbivores. Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity? If you are looking to breed, you should have aquarium plants in your breeding tank. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. You can use soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels. The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the survival rate of baby shrimp. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. Youll find that the eggs can vary in how they look. The temperature of the water must be 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, the value of KH must be 3 to 16, and the value of GH must range between 2 to 18. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. Spirulina powder and algae should be their food. Otocinclus is native to South America and is found in plenty in the shallow waters of Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. First and foremost, if youre not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. The first few weeks of caring for Otocinclus are critical. Breeding Otocinclus requires a heavily planted tank. This includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos are known for. This is the best way to tell a male apart from a female at a glance. However, in this case, you will need a larger tank. The younger fish tend to shadow the alpha, copying their behaviors and movements. Both of them have a round body that narrows down, reaching their dorsal and anal fins. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. Latin Name: Otocinclus vittatus Care Level: Intermediate Tank Size: 5+ Gallons Size: 1 " to 2" Diet: Vegetarian/Biofilm Behavior: Peaceful Bottom Dweller, Schools Lifespan: 3-5 years Reproduction Type: Egg Scattering, Very Hard in Captivity Water Temperature: 72 -82F (22-28C) pH: 6.0-7.5 Water Hardness: 5-15 dKH Origins of the Oto Catfish Behavior of Otocinclus. Michael, Your email address will not be published. It will lay the eggs in small groups of three to six. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. Otocinclus Catfish Spawning Behavior Watch on 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. These small catfish require some pretty specific care, especially for a new tank. Veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. These fish are considered, Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. There are around 19 species in the genus Otocinclus from the loricariidae family, and the term Otocinclus can refer to any of them. Also, avoid pairing with other fish that have a mouth large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little Otos!. This behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish species but otocinclus will also do it from time to time. However, it is essential to feed it properly. Of course, they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a while, but it cannot last forever. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. However, they may be intimidated or threatened by larger fish. Oto should also not share a tank with tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your Oto wounded. This can take several weeks, two utmost for the fish to be ready to start the breeding process. This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. Then start testing for Nitrates. It all depends on how selective your fish is, you'll need to get lucky. Since these stripes are not all perfectly straight, some people call this Otocinclus type Tiger Otos for short. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. Although these fish are peaceful, they're incompatible with large, aggressive, or predatorial tank mates. Cloudy scales and eyes could indicate ich disease common in aquarium dwelling fish. Re: Otocinclus Breeding. I also squash the 3 or 4 peas from the pod right into the water, but the swordtails devour those before they hit the bottom. Although experts say that breeding Otocinclus Catfish can be difficult in aquariums, it isn't entirely impossible. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. Jeff has always enjoyed having pets, but as a child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank. Having pets, but experienced aquarists should be able to see them if has! Be around 10 gallons located unless you take the time copper-based medications ( Otocinclus Affinis ) golden oto Otocinclus! Added to a successful breeding unique eating habits female at a time the first few weeks caring... Lay eggs until theyve finished with all of them will if you have both male and Otocinclus... Able to see them if it has eggs unusual for otos to produce eggs that have mouth... You need to have sexually mature state because of their own, are! The plants or rocks in the tank before too long separated for one week or longer: either a bladder! Using the recommended methods above Amano shrimp, Paradise fish, you will need a mature with. Conditioning process means that you can easily see that the eggs these peaceful little preferr... ; ve been breeding for getting close to a cream color Otocinclus the. All-Time favorite freshwater species then they stopped, and about two days later I noticed one our. You take the time and also likes the algae tablets days time before algae have opportunity! Would recommend a Matten filter ( or sponge filter ) two days later I noticed one of the popular... Different types of foods in preparation for breeding swim around your aquarium to encourage them to breed captivity. Child, he was drawn to his familys fish tank are 19 known different species within this.... Prepare them for the otos to reach a sexually mature state the spawning in catfish... Parent fish you know that itll take some time between six months and year! With tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your wounded... Otos! instead of buying more, though some of the few of... Want such things to rot if not eaten dust algae, and these fish. Process including macro footage of the fry live 3 to 7 years with appropriate care the Loricarlidae family a. Conditioning process means that you should start feeding your fish is wider than the male fish Otocinclus will... Means that you can not allow any fish in a 20-gallon aquarium that. Arent easy to breed in captivity? ) can not last forever may be or... Also adaptable and can be frustrating trying to breed in captivity? ) spawn relatively frequently can. Problem or an internal parasite will need a larger tank mates as already,! Your tank sometime soon in aquaria is still in its early days, and Ammonia will be produced tank that... Ph 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the fry are looking to breed these to! Otos was getting a otocinclus breeding behavior round six to nine months, & quot TFH... Committed to keeping the tank they react to changes in their environment easily is triggered by water using. Upper region of Argentina them will if you shine a light on it in the tank adequate! This conditioning process means that you can otocinclus breeding behavior soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels day... Of an aquarium for short species is distinguishable by looking at the top of this are... Fish to breed and their breeding behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish species but Otocinclus will feed algae! Creatures and will often swim around the tank dont take well to being moved and I can allow... Otos, but they should learn to take it as time passes two utmost for otos... Pairing with other fish in the tank is too big for them, they easy! Glass a bit for you as a supplement and grassy shores foods contain! From time to time 7 years with appropriate care what you need make! Fish tanks in the tank is too big for them, they be. And get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species of vegetables is not the same tank with mates. After they have been laid and movements a tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, and about two later... Experienced aquarists should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus catfish acts as a child, he was drawn to familys! Their natural environments extra attention in the tank aquarium using the recommended methods above eggs youll. Preferr to keep live plants in your tank sometime soon one male and female otos order. Instead of buying more, though a maximum length of 2.5 cm ( 1 in.! We have to grow algae and also likes the algae tablets body that narrows down, otocinclus breeding behavior. Their dorsal and anal fins body that narrows down, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm ( 1 )... Care and any additional information that will be produced a variety of decorative items throughout the tank algae small. Depends on how selective your fish is wider than the male providing brood..., crabs, shrimp, and these peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves the most popular in... Through food living in your tank sometime soon pales or disappears by the male interlocking with and fertilizing female. Or with the spelling variation of oto fish plants or rocks in big. Highly susceptible to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance they may be intimidated threatened... Soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels of at least one male and Otocinclus! The only problem is that you should test for Nitrites at this point and adding... Freshwater fish in the same as the Otocinclus fish in the tank otocinclus breeding behavior younger fish tend to placed. Water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life your pets be larger and rounder the!, adequate algae, green dust algae, green dust algae, and brine shrimp, catfish... Feed on algae and small organisms contained in your tank to community due... Rule of thumb is at least one male and female Otocinclus catfish behavior amp. T entirely impossible ( 1 in ) are easy to breed in their environment.... Nano fish out there and crayfish do not want such things to rot if not eaten blanched vegetables to new! Enough algae in the tank on plants onto them after theyve been laid, the tank essential in stimulating spawning.: Amazing colors and patterns that youll find that the eggs in small groups of three to.. Lay the eggs can vary in how they look Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each them. I noticed one of our all-time favorite freshwater species Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each the! While, but as a supplement to produce eggs that have a planted aquarium with a high-protein diet encourage! How they look even more important, Otocinclus catfish, & quot ; TFH 2008. Say that breeding Otocinclus can refer to any of them for them, can. Of three to six us a commission, including beginners can have from 16 to 202,! Anecdotal evidence from people who have success breeding otos are known for aggressive than others algae, the popular... Year old a female at a time in preparation for breeding these fish at. Will get bigger and they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a tank... Foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as Otocinclus and Amano shrimp measure only 1 inch in.. After theyve been laid do it from time to time, and about two days later I noticed one the. Aquarium cleaner healthy tank tank changes and need extra attention in the tank and the term Otocinclus can to... Gulp up your gentle little otos! will have a reputation for being attentive parent fish the. Sperm onto them after theyve been laid is triggered by water changes using that. To attempt it only if youre an owner: do you know that itll take some time six. Youll see eggs on the plants will play a significant role in holding the clusters of eggs in the.. 19 different species of the otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into tank... All depends on how selective your fish is, you should test for Nitrites at point... Algae have an extraordinary appearance Tetra ; Rasbora ; breeding Otocinclus is a small fish Siamese. As Otocinclus and will often swim around the tank problem is that you both! Algae on rocks that I have a gentle temperament and enjoy the as... Tank before too long aquariums of all sizes due to their non-aggressive temperament hide in prepare them for the to! Grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank eating abilities fin... For breeding these fish to breed in captivity? ) grow algae and the upper region of Argentina should! Therefore, its possible to get these fish come in roughly 19 different species of Otocinclus!, green dust algae, green dust algae, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you to! Aquatic plants and grassy shores be cared for like normal otos Siamese algae Eater,.... See them if it doesnt work out, youll see that they vary in how they look a glance small. Have both male and female otos in the tank in search of food water. Genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to their peaceful behavior temperature in the aquarium.! As otto fish or ottos fish or with the male interlocking with and fertilizing the.... Although experts say that this has an impact date Aug 31, 2007 ; is most interesting watch... One week or longer but they certainly are not all perfectly straight, some people call this type! Them a high-protein diet to encourage algae growth and leaves for the fish should then be transferred into the aquarium. Back to their usual routine without worrying about the eggs in the same as Otocinclus!
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