Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. Otocincluses are peaceful, skittish fish that are popular amongst aquarists because of their algae-eating behavior. Before introducing your Otos, your tank should be cycled, fully established, and have algae growth for sustenance. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. . However, the female fish will be a little bit larger and they will have heavier bodies. Theyre known as cleaners because of how well they clean plants. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. They should not be injured. 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 Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. Below, youll get the information that you need about breeding otos. Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. Oto should also not share a tank with tank mates that share an aggressive temperament because you may find your Oto wounded. 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). You never have to worry about them starting a fight. Like any animal, poor care and living in a stressful environment can significantly impact their life expectancy. Breeding otos in captivity is rather difficult. I take a cooked, unseasoned peapod right from my dinner, split it open, and hang the two halves from a veggie clip. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. The short answer is yes. In some cases, the schoolscan have hundreds or even thousands of fish. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. To get all technical, the name Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes. At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. The snail will be laying the eggs on a firm surface. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. You can easily breed otocinclus fish in a 20-gallon aquarium. One thing to focus on is the quality of the water. The fry will be free-swimming in about 2 weeks. Otocinclus are herbivores. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). Cloudy scales and eyes could indicate ich disease common in aquarium dwelling fish. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. The next day, Ill find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a peapod with all the green goodness sucked out of it. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. 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). The male will then fertilize the eggs. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. Be careful with chemicals likecopper (read more). You wont regret it! You can read my article to learn more about it The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp. Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. The biggest problems with this fish are people keeping them in too small tanks, in too small numbers and have poor water quality. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. Ive kept Otocinclus vestitus in a pH of 5.6 . Which are flooded with plant life. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. Its also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the wild. All these organs can be seen at the bottom side of otocinclus catfish tail system. They startle easily and when they are fearful, they can camouflage themselves. Popularly known by the name 'Algae eaters', it is difficult to breed them in captivity as only the wild ones are available to hobbyists. Put there a lot of small rocks like marble chips and ceramic filter media (The rocks should be clean and aquarium safe, of course). This involves feeding them algae rounds, daphnia, and brine shrimp. You might not even notice where all the eggs are located unless you take the time to look carefully. Typically, the eggs will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks. Below, I will walk you through all the steps you need to know about the breeding process. No, otos are fish that just lay their eggs and then leave them alone. Even beginners can have an easy time with them. Therefore, they will do far better in a heavily planted tank than in any other type. One of the most widespread and common species of Otocinclus, this variety can be found throughout the regions of South America sometimes even in parts of the Amazon River where other fish of their size tend to avoid. Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. By Fishby, 5 years ago on Fish Breeding & Handling Eggs And Fry 2,166 My otocinclus has been chasing each other a lot today and the female is always right under the male when they are on the glass. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. They thrive in planted tanks that have good water quality. But with the right knowledge and breeding facilities at your disposal, nothing should prevent you from achieving this feat. The gender of your otocinclus can matter if you are trying to breed them. The plants will play a critical role in holding the clusters of eggs in place after they have been laid. Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . From here, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit. In our opinion, the beauty of Otos is seriously underrated! The fish are normally lighter colored with darker blotches of color. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . Its common for the eggs to be stuck to live plants as well as rocks. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. These catfish are known for eating algae and for being much smaller than some of the other more popular algae-eating species of fish. The lower levels were busy, but the middle . In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. Otocinclus catfish are known for being active during the day and having a big personality (for their size!). On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. 2004 DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252004000300001, Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin. Ostracods, commonly referred to as Seed shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank. As an algae eating-team, they are absolutely awesome but Amano shrimp are voracious algae eaters and in the long run, can starve Otocinclus out. 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. These are not the easiest fish to breed in captivity, but they can be achieved. 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. 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. Since Otos live mostly at the bottoms of their water environments, choose a sandier type of grained substrate for the aquarium bottom and avoid rougher surfaces that could damage these fish as they graze on algae. In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. Otocinclus Catfish isa very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. For them, diminished numbers is a certain sign of danger, so they hide. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. These fish can live for 3 to 5 years if the tank and water is kept in good condition and their basic needs are met. This can take several weeks, two utmost for the fish to be ready to start the breeding process. 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. She's rounder every day, and she won't let anyone t pose her anymore. The eggs are laid in small batches of three to six. Ideally 24/7. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Use the water that comes from water changes. Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. One method is to look at the size of the fish. 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. Breeding otocinclus catfish is not an easy task. 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. This means females become larger and grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. Your email address will not be published. Keep suitable water parameters. 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. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. They are a popular option for aquariums of all sizes due to their peaceful nature, entertaining shoaling behaviors and their algae eating abilities. Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). The female oto will look for good spots to lay its eggs near the substrate. Ciencia y Desarrollo. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior & Temperament As already stated, Otocinclus Catfish are very social creatures and will often shoal together. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with no ammonia and nitrites, and with nitrates as low as possible, with some movements of water, high oxygenation and some algae constantly available on plants, driftwood, glass, and decorations. Itll then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins. As I have already mentioned, Otocinclus are a schooling fish and need to be in groups of their own kind. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. Copeia 2002(4):1063-1069. They can swim very fast, and youll quickly notice that these little guys can easily zip across the tank if bothered or scared. Sad fact: Do you know that almost all Otocinclus are wild-caught? As the name suggests, this fish sports bold black and white stripes situated vertically from the back of its head down to the caudal fin. If you are breeding, you should choose a couple that has features and markings that you would want passed on to the offspring. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. No, otocinclus catfish are not easy to breed at all. After the first few weeks, the Oto will begin to adjust to the tank. This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. Otocinclus catfish are egg-laying fish. I have to start off by saying that Otos are sensitive, and a poor choice for the first inhabitants. They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. After youre finished reading, you can decide if youd like to pursue breeding the fish. Colors and Markings. Furthermore, the pH value must be between 5.5 and 7.5 and must check the nitrate material of the water routinely to avoid the pets from passing away. It can be tough to get otocinclus fry to survive in the tank sometimes. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. The female otocinclus will then swim towards the substrate or rather the spot where she lays the eggs while the male still follows her. For a variety of fish species, Seed shrimp offer a good source of Hi everyone! In big groups, they are constantly visible and way easier to feed. Theyre interesting fish to look at and theyre helpful fish to keep in your tank. Yellow lab cichlid Description. I started with 3 otos and sadly one of them died. It is pretty understandable that these cute little fish can charm anybody. This isolation should last for a few weeks. Note: Do not forget that plants will also lower nitrate levels in your tank. Therefore, you should also be sure to feed them algae wafers or catfish pellets. Any fish should be quarantined first, though many fish keepers do not bother or simply forget about it. The couple will assume a T-shaped position. You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. If you are still unsure about the gender of your fish, you can always consult with a local fish expert. These small catfish require some pretty specific care, especially for a new tank. Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. If you buy Otos from a pet store, there is a likely chance that they will die immediately. Behavior. Thread starter James0816; Start date Aug 31, 2007; . How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Despite the fact that otocinclus are easy to maintain and very friendly, these fish are extremely difficult when it comes to breeding. They have been bred in tanks before, but its not the simplest process. Boraras; Cory cats; Tetra; Rasbora; Breeding. For example, break one wafer into several pieces and leave them in their favorite places overnight. On. Even so, its something that can be done with the right approach. 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. It can be frustrating trying to feed these fish and keep them healthy. 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. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. Here are all the links I could find online so far in regard to breeding otocinclus: Spawning behavior by a fellow aquarist in Sweden. 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. 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. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. The fish that are sold for up to $4 per fish are normally fatter and healthier. If you have what you need, its possible to get these fish to breed in captivity. Unfortunately, Zebra Danios don't exhibit any parental behaviors. Otocinclus do not typically mate easily but a high protein diet can influence your fish into mating. Of course, they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a while, but it cannot last forever. Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity? There are things that you can do to encourage the fish to breed, though. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that she could find. Otocinclus fish breeding was similar to the corydoras fishes . If your fish are experiencing a change in appetite, changing their diet may also help. Its uncommon for them to breed in captivity, but it might happen if the conditions are right. Get a bigger tank with enough space. First and foremost, if youre not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. The otocinclus catfish is a small freshwater fish that originates from South America. Your mating tank should be at least 80 liters (20 gallons) to be able to hold all the soon-to-be-born fry. This conditioning process means that you should start feeding your fish different types of foods in preparation for breeding. Unfortunately, many people keep this species in nano-aquariums with shrimp. 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 To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. They prefer to live near large aquatic plants and grassy shores. Make sure the water chemistry is correct, and avoid changing it as much as possible. Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your tank. They've been breeding for getting close to a year now. These fish will even clean the glass a bit for you. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. Sharp gravel should be avoided because it can injure the fish. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. 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. . Otos are considered herbivores, which means that they are vegetarians. You should look for Otos that are olive-brown, black and white. Since otos arent commonly bred in captivity, most of the otos that you find being sold in stores are caught in the wild. You can also buy Oto online, even on Amazon. 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. Breeding Otocinclus! These fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made up of a row of bones. Behavior & Temperament. So long as the fertilization process went properly, the eggs will hatch within three or four days. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! First, keyhole cichlids form monogamous breeding pairs. 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. 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. Conditions should be perfect, . In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and Amano shrimp. The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep. Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. Otocinclus species have very small dentition meaning that they are not physically capable of damaging the vast majority of plants. 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. Best Algae Eating Team. However, they may be intimidated or threatened by larger fish. In a few years, there might be better information about what to expect. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. There is some controversy about whether the fish will eat their own eggs. Otocinclus are a genus of catfish native to South America and some species are quite common in the aquarium hobby. The players deposit small amounts of eggs by sticking them to the substrate or the glass, but aquarium reproduction is very difficult. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. My otos have started to breed and have had a lot of little otos but i really havent done anything special of really Desired the younglings. They are like every species; some are more aggressive than others. Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. Now i have a lot of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they Will survive. Zebra Danio breeding is a rather easy process. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Examples of foods that contain high proteins include live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and also algae wafers. This is due to their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank. My first course of action was, of course, some Otocinclus (see the author's article, "Oto Pilot: Buying, Keeping. Neotropical Ichthyology. Theres a good chance that not all of the fry will survive. ), The male and female fish look very similar. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. You can read more about algae and Otocinclus in my article Types of Algae. Some people call these docile fish dwarf suckers or otos as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. This is the best way to tell a male apart from a female at a glance. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. Choose right tankmates. Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. Twitter: https://twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https://www.instagram.c. 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. Both of them have a round body that narrows down, reaching their dorsal and anal fins. Others say that its better to separate the breeding fish in different tanks or compartments for one or two weeks first. They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank. 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. . Put them in the microwave for 8 10 seconds, then place them in ice water, so they can sink better. . Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Males fertilize the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve been laid. Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs (with the exception of the albino Bristlenose . We highly recommend that you add some to your freshwater tank if you have tank mates that are a good fit. . Been studying a keeping records since the first batch of eggs. Otocinclus lay eggs all around the tank on plants. Behavior of Otocinclus. Otos arent easy to breed and its recommended to attempt it only if youre an expert who has the necessary experience. Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. Behavior Otocinclus are shy, solitary fish with unique eating habits. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Also, you can easily distinguish them by just at their sex organs.