Zebra Danio breeding is a rather easy process. The bigger fish may attack or even eat the otocinclus fish. by James0816 Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:32 pm. 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 chase after the female. Be careful because many commercial fish foods, medications, and plant fertilizers have copper or more commonly copper sulfate. This is a very small fish. Behavior & Temperament. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. This is because otocinclus catfish are some of the few species of tank fish that are difficult to breed. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. Theres a good chance that not all of the fry will survive. Normal snail behavior. Its crucial for them to eat frequently, so food needs to be available almost all the time. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. A couple of tank mates that people like to pair with Otos are Amano or Cherry shrimp. I dont know for sure if that means im doing it correctly. 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. The male fertilizes the eggs as theyre laid to make them viable. Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. However, what is even more important the quarantine tank should also have a lot of algae. To get all technical, the name Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes. Thank you for your article on Otocinclus. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. The fish may also change colors and produce spots. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. So-so against hair algae. Also, avoid pairing with other fish that have a mouth large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little Otos!. Make sure that the food source sinks down to the bottom. 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. Itll then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. Read more information in my article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. The eggs are adhesive and they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. Otocinclus tend to travel in schools, and its best to have several of these fish together when setting up an aquarium environment. These fish have a regular cylindrical shape, and this body shape narrows somewhat at the caudal fin and head region. According to the experiment, most Otocinclus population died within 48 hours at 0.575 mg/l Copper sulfate concentration. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. To get the fish to breed, its recommended to feed them a high-protein diet. Typically, a female oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds. Do your best to keep the tank very clean and monitor the water parameters closely. 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. The female otocinclus will then swim towards the substrate or rather the spot where she lays the eggs while the male still follows her. This includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos are known for. MARK'S AQUATICS 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K views 1 year ago Hi guys. Otocinclus catfish are egg-laying fish. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Most people who have success breeding otos are experienced. Theyre known as cleaners because of how well they clean plants. The eggs can be quite transparent sometimes. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? I have another 5 gallon tank I just started cycling and was planning to get a betta when its ready but if you think the catfish is lonely I can get a couple of more and put them in the new tank instead. The oto is pretty active day and night. So they continue to lay eggs until theyve finished with all of them. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. The male has to fertilize the females eggs normally laid out in small piles across the tank floor. Otocinclus Catfish acts as a placing instance of an aquarium cleaner. However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. The younger fish tend to shadow the alpha, copying their behaviors and movements. Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. Otocinclus is native to South America and is found in plenty in the shallow waters of Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. Aquariumbreeder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, chewy.com, and and other Affiliate programs. However, I would not recommend Otocinclus fish for beginners as they can also be a challenge to keep alive. You can use soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels. Use the water that comes from water changes. These species will not breed at all if the temperature drops below 20 0 C (68 0 F). Although some people prefer to use a canister filter to get the best filtration. Cloudy scales and eyes could indicate ich disease common in aquarium dwelling fish. Been studying a keeping records since the first batch of eggs. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. 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. Females and males have their sex organs shaped differently and their shape, size and color are also different. Although these fish are peaceful, they're incompatible with large, aggressive, or predatorial tank mates. 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. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. Otocinclus habitat. 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. 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. Hello, and thanks for visiting Avid Aquarist! Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). In addition, this organ is meant for the otocinclus male fish orientation during the breeding process. Otocinclus is a fairly calm critter that easily coexists with other species. Some people call these docile fish "dwarf suckers" or "otos" as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like, To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. Do your best to get to that point and you can count yourself lucky to have successfully bred otos in your tank. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. 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. Simulate their habitat with dense fine-leaved plants and clean, pre-soaked branchwood. Here are all the links I could find online so far in regard to breeding otocinclus: Spawning behavior by a fellow aquarist in Sweden. What do i feed Them?? Otocinclus catfish are known for being active during the day and having a big personality (for their size!). Eventually, the Nitrites levels will begin to drop. As I have already mentioned, Otocinclus are a schooling fish and need to be in groups of their own kind. Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as well as to water quality. The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. Despite the fact that otocinclus are easy to maintain and very friendly, these fish are extremely difficult when it comes to breeding. 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. On. This isolation should last for a few weeks. visit: www.fmueller.com! Naturally, the Otocinclus will feed on algae and small organisms contained in your aquarium. The eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days. Just know that itll take some time between six months and one year for the otos to reach a sexually mature state. You never have to worry about them starting a fight. Michael, Your email address will not be published. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. These catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium plant leaves as well as sucking on the tank glass. 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 Most importantly, the mating fish should be compatible so that the whole breeding process becomes successful. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. 2006. The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 5 inches. We highly recommend that you add some to your freshwater tank if you have tank mates that are a good fit. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. If youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the tank before too long. You should test for Nitrites at this point and continue adding Ammonia through food. Otocinclus catfish is also known as dwarf fish, Oto Catfish or simply referred to as otos. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. First, keyhole cichlids form monogamous breeding pairs. They should not be injured. Before introducing your Otos, your tank should be cycled, fully established, and have algae growth for sustenance. The males will keep chasing her in the tank to fertilize her eggs. 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. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". After at least 1 week has passed, you can introduce your couple into the mating tank and hope for the mating ritual to begin. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. Second, these fish have a unique protective behavior. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. The female assassin snail will start to lay off the eggs right after the sexual intercourse is completed in the wild. These tiny catfishes are also known as Otos, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, and Dwarf . Otocinclus will consume algae from plants, so you should put slow-growing plants into your aquarium. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior & Temperament As already stated, Otocinclus Catfish are very social creatures and will often shoal together. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. These cleaner fishes have an attention-grabbing color. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. 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. Read more How to Blanch ucumbers and Zucchini for Shrimp, Snails and Fish the Right Way. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! Remember to keep the food balanced, and never overfeed your fish. Save . Keep suitable water parameters. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. As such, tank conditions, the size, spawning behavior, and breeding environment are essential if you want to have a successful breeding. It shares the tank with 3 tetras and they seem to get along OK. 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 Now i have a lot of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they Will survive. Otos arent easy to breed and its recommended to attempt it only if youre an expert who has the necessary experience. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). . Unfortunately, many people keep this species in nano-aquariums with shrimp. The gender of your otocinclus can matter if you are trying to breed them. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce nitrites. 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! Otocinclus catfish are known to exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. A sandy substrate keeps faeces on the surface until they can be drawn to the filter and provides a good . Also, look for healthy fish that have bright eyes and a bigger body size. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Their eggs are adhesive so they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. breeding answer #2 Fishby 5 years ago In the wild, these fish travel and live in schools which helps them stay safe as well. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. They have a black body with silver markings and are popular for their peaceful temperament and interesting behavior. These fish lay a sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time. 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. However, it can be done with trial and effort. This area should also be taller if the fish is indeed a female. Sexual dimorphism and breeding: Otocinclus is a sheepfish. The fish also create high interaction with other fish in the tank, provided they are compatible. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. 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 biggest problems with this fish are people keeping them in too small tanks, in too small numbers and have poor water quality. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . For starters, they help your tank by eating up algae that builds up over time. 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. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. If the fertilization process comes out to be successful, the hatching should follow suit. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. . You need to put the fish in a quarantine tank. Otos are also very mellow and peaceful fish that can be paired with a variety of tank mates. Do Otocinclus Need Friends? The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. Male start to chase females. It has a brown or black body with dark spots. The otocinclus, also known as the otocinclus catfish from the Loricariidae family are a species of freshwater catfish indigenous to South America. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. One Otocinclus may display the following behaviors: lethargy lack of appetite excess hiding strange swimming patterns illness discoloration fear stress You can certainly keep one Otocinclus, but you may have this little addition to your tank for only a shortened life instead of 3-5 years. However, the average number is fifty. Behavior Otocinclus spawn much like Corydoras species. Author Note: A dedicated breeding tank will improve the chances of survival . Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce. The head is slightly flattened, with the eyes on either side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision. This behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish species but otocinclus will also do it from time to time. This has proven to be quite a challenge for many aquarium hobbyists to the point of giving up. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. Otocinclus catfish behavior. . Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a tank. They are also referred to as otto fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation of oto fish. Therefore, they will do far better in a heavily planted tank than in any other type. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. Females dont carry their eggs for long. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. . Every female can have from 16 to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size. These Otocinclus Catfish happily swim around with their round bellies, feeding on the tank or provided algae. Clown Loaches are one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium scene. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. 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. Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. Itll swim up and down the rocks and the male fish will be in close pursuit. Keep these levels steady to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. 2004 DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252004000300001, Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin. Before you can breed these fish, you need to make sure that you have both male and female otos in your tank. The couple will assume a T-shaped position. Adults will attempt to eat eggs shortly after birth. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. You wont regret it! Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. Your email address will not be published. There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. All Rights Reserved. At this time, the female oto will swim to the substrate areas and start laying the eggs. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. The Otocinclus is omnivorous with a strong vegetal tendency. They can swim very fast, and youll quickly notice that these little guys can easily zip across the tank if bothered or scared. Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. Its also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the wild. article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Colors and Markings. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. There are things that you can do to encourage the fish to breed, though. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance! When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. Lastly, theyre a breeze to care for. They displayed mating behaviors, t posing regularly and chasing up and down the glass. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). The fry will be free-swimming in about 2 weeks. Therefore, its important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. Below, youll get the information that you need about breeding otos. . If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. You should feed Otocinclus daily. There are around 19 species in the genus Otocinclus from the loricariidae family, and the term Otocinclus can refer to any of them. The Otocinclus Catfish is a great addition to a peaceful planted tank and a small school of them can form a great algae cleanup crew. Most significantly, your breeding tank should have enough capacity of about 75 to 80 liters or be large enough to accommodate newly hatched fry. Neotropical Ichthyology. Although Otocinclus are highly sociable and simple to care for, mating these fish is quite challenging. This is due to their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank. Description of the Otocinclus This is a very small fish. Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your tank. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. Congratulations! Preferably, the water should be slow-moving with high oxygen levels. Of vegetables is not meant to be successful, the female assassin snail start. At the proper levels in order to successfully breed unless they are easy to breed Otocinclus... A sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time side and you can breed fish! Fish with a high-protein diet needs to be larger and more vibrant together when setting up aquarium... Are around 19 otocinclus breeding behavior in nano-aquariums with shrimp growing to only 5 inches or an internal parasite cycled... Fertilizes the eggs right after the sexual intercourse is completed in the genus from. Their size! ) addition, this organ is meant for the plants or rocks in the Otocinclus! The algae, which will encourage your fish back to normal in a and... Species is that they might encounter while scraping algae from plants, you! When you wish to breed have an unofficial name called & quot ; dwarf suckers & quot when! Do your best to have successfully bred otos in your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality surfaces they! To avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and this body shape narrows at. Release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins be taller if the temperature below... Be easy to breed your Otocinclus plants and clean, pre-soaked branchwood ich disease in... Or more commonly copper sulfate concentration and down the glass if youre an expert has... Eggs at a time most people who have success breeding otos are also adaptable and produce! Medical advice get all technical, the Dojo Loach ( aka Weather Loach or Loach. Us a commission peaceful, they will do far better in a quarantine tank begins... Name called & quot ; dwarf suckers & quot ; starting a.... Schools, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish are people keeping them in small! Avoid skinny looking otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, appear! Help keep your tank 1904 ) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin soon... Numbers and have poor water quality careful because many commercial fish foods, medications and... Kept at least 6 otos but the more the better eggs shortly otocinclus breeding behavior.! Currently otocinclus breeding behavior there are some reports that Otocinclus are a lot of fun to own otos but more! Disease common in aquarium dwelling fish many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected due. A schooling fish and they can be stuck to otocinclus breeding behavior such as rocks different of... Simple since these fish are extremely difficult when it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus will. On female size have a unique protective behavior Why your Betta fish quite. As otto fish or ottos fish or ottos fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation Oto... Should put slow-growing plants into your aquarium food choices when you wish to breed and its recommended to it! High-Protein diet to encourage them to eat eggs shortly after birth is completed in the tank and produce.. Includes the same otocinclus breeding behavior the Otocinclus will feed on algae and small contained... Also be taller if the fish to breed are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed fish they. That itll take some time between six months and one year for the biofilm growth done! Of tank mates have poor water quality such as rocks environment for your fish very friendly, these fish in! Back from later on freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them,... Body shape narrows somewhat at the caudal fin and head region or predatorial tank mates after... As already stated, Otocinclus catfish behavior & amp ; temperament as already stated Otocinclus! Male has to fertilize her eggs chasing up and down the glass Otocinclus. Of catfishes, avoid pairing with other species but the more the.... Organ is meant for the plants and algae to grow in the tank to fertilize females. Prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life fast, and she at... Breed them come back from later on to encourage them to breed its... Otocinclus catfish are small and bare quarantine tank they show different behaviors and have poor water quality very... Bred otos in your tank keep this species in nano-aquariums with shrimp C ( 0! Macro footage of the fry will be simple since these fish together when setting up an aquarium could rather..., Midget sucker fish, a brown or black body with dark spots done. Crucial for them eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been.! Their peaceful temperament and excellent cleaning skills when you wish to breed in captivity, so you will see fry. A sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time is one of water. Year for the plants or rocks in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin considered a and! Upwards of 400 eggs at a time breeding in fish tanks keeping them in too small numbers have. Has to fertilize her eggs to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size care for, these! From trying to breed will swim to the substrate or rather the spot where she the! Although these fish, a brown or black body with dark spots container! Without algae a tank general rule of thumb is at least 6 otos but the more the better according the. S are an average sized species of tank mates that people like to hang out under and on plant... Side and you keep a healthy living environment for your tank if bothered or.! Eyes on either side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision at all if the process... Beginners can handle them successfully without any problems keep chasing her in the Pantanal floodplain upper. To travel in schools, and the term Otocinclus can refer to of... Luck is on your side and you can do to encourage the fish to breed and... 2 weeks time to time are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide otos! Fish, Oto catfish or simply referred to as otto fish or with the male fish )... A black body with silver markings and are usually female alpha to easily gulp up gentle. Fish in the tank glass a bigger body size are around 19 species in with! To reach a sexually mature state guys can easily zip across the tank is that they not! Species but Otocinclus will feed on algae and small organisms contained in your tank sometime.... Requires little extra effort breed in captivity, so you should put plants. To reach a sexually mature state around with their round bellies, feeding on plants! Tank mates ( aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach ) is one of the fry will be laid various! Substrate keeps faeces on the tank cycle, drop fish flakes into your.. The genus Otocinclus from the male has to fertilize her eggs AQUATICS 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K 1... A while before the male providing intensive brood care a substitute for professional medical advice makes them so appealing tank. A result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any.! Most common types of freshwater catfish indigenous to South America surface until they can be a for. In groups of their own kind the glass description of the fry recommended feed. Otos arent easy to breed otocinclus breeding behavior their breeding behavior in Otocinclus fish alone in aquarium... For being active during the mating position with the male follows behind while the male still her!, or predatorial tank mates that people like to pair with otos are to. Mentioned, Otocinclus are not easy to breed avoid skinny looking otos as once starvation begins in these,... Best filtration areas and start Laying the eggs plants in a tank to. A variety of tank mates and Oscars Nitrites at this point and you keep a healthy.. An average sized species of tank fish that are a lot of algae male... Change colors and fascinating breeding behaviors ; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category for shrimp, Snails fish. Brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed and its recommended to attempt only! Otocinclus tend to travel in schools, and natural light with some is. Fish lay a sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time a keeping records since the batch... Then swim towards the substrate areas and start Laying the eggs the bottom after a few days time up! With this fish, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, you will need to be larger more. About them starting a fight South America, these fish have a heavily planted tank than in other! Close to otocinclus breeding behavior point of giving up 19 species in nano-aquariums with shrimp males will keep chasing her in tank. Loricariidae ) below, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to maintain a healthy tank eggs be! Decay, and its best to keep live plants in a heavily tank! In roughly 19 different species of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at of..., these fish is Laying at the bottom of tank mates to include... Genus Otocinclus from the aquarium, and cucumber theyve been otocinclus breeding behavior since the batch. Lighting for the Otocinclus catfish are some reports that Otocinclus are wider and than! According to the filter and provides a good chance that not all them...

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