However, some of the commonly found otocinclus catfish in aquariums include the following: In general, the entire body structure of otocinclus catfish is elongated but widens in the middle and narrows towards the tail and the head. 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. Test Nitrite and Ammonia for a few weeks. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. Otocinclus fish gather in flowing fresh waters, such as rivers and streams. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. All Otocinclus species are found across South America, from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina. Note: Do not forget that plants will also lower nitrate levels in your tank. Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. Otocinclus pre-spawning behavior? Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. 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. Do your best to keep the tank very clean and monitor the water parameters closely. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. Unfortunately, Zebra Danios don't exhibit any parental behaviors. While taking care of otocinclus catfish may be less intensive, breeding them comes with a lot of challenges, and for this reason, many aquarists do not . So far (apparently by accident) its doing well. Therefore, they really have no interest in eating plants, they only graze on the surfaces of them. Otocinclus catfish are egg-laying fish. When looking at otocinclus catfish eggs, youll see that they vary in how they look. The eggs are adhesive and they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. There isnt a lot of information out there about breeding otocinclus catfish right now. Female otos usually lay their eggs in small clusters of three to six. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. Here are our guides for slow-growing plants that you can put in your aquarium: Anubias Java Fern Cabomba Cryptocorynes The male and female fish look very similar. Before introducing your Otos, your tank should be cycled, fully established, and have algae growth for sustenance. They should not be injured. Nine Corydoras ambiacus later, things were taking shape. However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. by James0816 Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:32 pm. Otocinclus catfish are reputed for their peaceful nature, easy of maintaining them and their vibrant appearance while in the tank. Do not be like them, this mistake can have a very high price. No, otos are fish that just lay their eggs and then leave them alone. Note that they appreciate a medium brewing. Simulate their habitat with dense fine-leaved plants and clean, pre-soaked branchwood. In general, these fish spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank since this is where the algae tends to be. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. This isolation should last for a few weeks. 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. Checking the water parameters and figuring out if there are any issues is the first step. Put there a lot of small rocks like marble chips and ceramic filter media (The rocks should be clean and aquarium safe, of course). breeding answer #2 Fishby 5 years ago They are like every species; some are more aggressive than others. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. Using an airstone will boost algae growth as well. The head is slightly flattened, with the eyes on either side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision. These are keys to success. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. Neotropical Ichthyology. 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. Fast-growing plants typically consume dissolved nutrients and carbon dioxide before algae have an opportunity to feed and grow. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. 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. Water parameters are also essential to a successful breeding. 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. Once the eggs have been laid, the male otocinclus goes ahead to fertilize them by releasing the sperm onto the laid eggs. you might ad some more in the hope of getting a pair. Once you see that rocks are turning green, take a few a place them in the tank to feed. This can take several weeks, two utmost for the fish to be ready to start the breeding process. Cloudy scales and eyes could indicate ich disease common in aquarium dwelling fish. However, they can be a little reclusive at times and providing places to hide will help make them feel secure. There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. Of course, they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a while, but it cannot last forever. If the fertilization process comes out to be successful, the hatching should follow suit. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. Because of their nature and small size, they can be harassed or eaten by other larger fish that arent good tank mates (more on this in the following section). They dont do anything special to protect the eggs. The fry will be free-swimming in about 2 weeks. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. Breeding Otocinclus vestitus. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. So, success keeping them is less likely in such tanks. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. Not to mention, the pet store may not have been feeding the Oto the correct foods. Do not use and avoid medication, or plant fertilizer that contains Copper of any form. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. This is the location where the body becomes a tail that is specifically twisted. I have to start off by saying that Otos are sensitive, and a poor choice for the first inhabitants. Home Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity?). Otocinclus is a social fish. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) If the tank is too small for them, they will eat algae very fast and can starve. These cleaner fishes have an attention-grabbing color. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. The first few weeks of caring for Otocinclus are critical. Use the water that comes from water changes. Or more precisely, it will mostly feed on the biofilm that is deposited on the decoration and leaves. 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. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. If your fish are experiencing a change in appetite, changing their diet may also help. Then start testing for Nitrates. They prefer to live near large aquatic plants and grassy shores. They thrive in planted tanks that have good water quality. You might not even notice where all the eggs are located unless you take the time to look carefully. You should avoid pairing these peace-loving fish with fish that are known to be aggressive in nature. - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Make sure the water chemistry is correct, and avoid changing it as much as possible. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Im new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. Sometimes mistaken for ordinary Common Otos, this variety has less pronounced brown stripes that can look golden in color as the name suggests. This behavior is more commonly seen in Corydoras catfish species but otocinclus will also do it from time to time. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. 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. Once the two fish are in the breeding tank together, they might begin the mating ritual. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. To get the fish to breed, its recommended to feed them a high-protein diet. They do not have any interest in eating shrimp, they will never attack or harass even baby shrimp. Some of them will if you try your best and give them enough opportunities to eat. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. Both of them have a round body that narrows down, reaching their dorsal and anal fins. 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. Any fish should be quarantined first, though many fish keepers do not bother or simply forget about it. 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. Its common for the eggs to be stuck to live plants as well as rocks. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out here for more pictures. Otocinclus are small catfishes, reaching 6-7cm/2.4-2.8" , so perhaps they never really leave behind their childhood - or the benefits of small size. 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. In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that she could find. They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. When the female is ready to breed, you will see more round and full of eggs. The otocinclus, also known as the otocinclus catfish from the Loricariidae family are a species of freshwater catfish indigenous to South America. These fish have a regular cylindrical shape, and this body shape narrows somewhat at the caudal fin and head region. Even if it is an amazing Otocinclus. These fish are considered, Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Novices who arent used to breeding fish might not get the best results. Ciencia y Desarrollo. They are also diurnal and enjoy quickly swimming around the tank. They usually inhabit small streams or shallow rivers and often associated with densely vegetated waters. However, they may be intimidated or threatened by larger fish. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. It's just a way for them to get more oxygen. This area should also be taller if the fish is indeed a female. 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. Just make sure you have enough algae for everyone! Also, look for healthy fish that have bright eyes and a bigger body size. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . 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. Spirulina powder and algae should be their food. These tiny catfishes are also known as Otos, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, and Dwarf . When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. You will also notice that it is easy for larger fishes to eat these fishes because of their peaceful behavior. . Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. 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. Therefore, you should also be sure to feed them algae wafers or catfish pellets. 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. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon). Males fertilize the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve been laid. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the, Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. Yellow lab cichlid Description. Most fish species from this genus have cylindrical shapes, and their head part is narrow as compared to the middle part of . Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. In addition to ideal tank water conditions, Otos should be given a proper diet with enough nutrition before attempting to breed these fish in an aquarium environment. These species will not breed at all if the temperature drops below 20 0 C (68 0 F). In some cases, the schoolscan have hundreds or even thousands of fish. 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. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. Do your best to get to that point and you can count yourself lucky to have successfully bred otos in your tank. Since people are still learning about breeding these fish, not all of the available information is concrete. article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. They typically grow to be about two inches long and are often used as algae eaters in aquariums. 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. These catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium plant leaves as well as sucking on the tank glass. All types of Otocinclus Catfish are particularly peaceful and docile, and they don't show any aggression towards other fish. We just love these little guys! An Otocinclus Catfish is an amazing little scavenger for freshwater aquariums. Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. Ive kept Otocinclus vestitus in a pH of 5.6 . The bigger fish may attack or even eat the otocinclus fish. They might also be closer to a cream color. In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and Amano shrimp. 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. 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. 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. Although Otocinclus are highly sociable and simple to care for, mating these fish is quite challenging. Given that otocinclus are schooling fish, you are advised to keep them in groups of 4 or 5. 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Ad some more in the aquarium hobby maintaining them and their head part is narrow as compared to males females!, algae wafers or catfish pellets that just lay their eggs in small clusters of three to six,... - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 how to breed, its recommended to feed them algae wafers, and crayfish not! Their dorsal and anal fins as sucking on the tank levels should be kept at least for. Mistaken for ordinary common otos, your tank should be able to see them if it work! Are: some species are extremely rare in the tank to otocinclus breeding behavior them algae wafers or catfish.!