The general rule of thumb, 1 inch of fish requires one-gallon swimming space. There is a reason for this, owing to the fact that many other fish see them as a potential snack. Make sure that the food source sinks down to the bottom. Their small size makes them an easy target though, so large or aggressive fish need to be avoided. A couple of tank mates that people like to pair with Otos are Amano or Cherry shrimp. There is also a noticeable blotch found on the tail portion of this Oto variety. Like any animal, poor care and living in a stressful environment can significantly impact their life expectancy. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the Otocinclus catfish. 🙂, I got one and its outlived all my other fish and I judt got 2 more for him and they are thriving, I’ve just recently added 3 Panda Catfish to my tank which already has 8 Neon Tetras & 5 Glow Light Tetras. 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. You should avoid pairing these peace-loving fish with fish that are known to be aggressive in nature. Perched on the substrate are pieces of debris like rocks, wood and anything else being moved with the water. Otocinclus Catfish is a very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. 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. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. I have a male betta in a 5 gallon tank with live plants and live rocks and a lot of hiding space. Keep these levels steady to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. On the head is a strong mouth which is used to latch onto surfaces.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',113,'0','0'])); Those in the family Loricariidae are different to a lot of other catfish groups because of the rows of armor plating across their body. Below the water is a soft, sandy substrate. Fishkeeping world was created by a school of fish fanatics. Unusually for South American tropical fish, they are not found in the large Amazon River which runs through the continent. Other kitchen staples can also be used, and some terrific natural food items include: Chop these ingredients up to smaller pieces, and add them to your tank several times a week you want to give them some variety. We know of 17 species of Otocinclus, or 16 if, according to some ichthyologists, O. affinis is placed in Macrotocinclus. You could use a standard air pump for oxidation, but it’s not necessary. The peaceful animals get along very well with their conspecifics. Shrimps and snails are popular tank mates because of their different appearances and behaviors. The colors and patterns that you’ll find on these fish are also very impressive. They could easily be eaten by larger fish so they are skittish by nature. Surprisingly, there is a wide range of fish and invertebrates that you can keep in a tank this size. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. 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. The rest of the fins are nearly transparent. Of course, the tank conditions need to be suitable too, but this group enjoys the same conditions as lots of other freshwater fish. It is my first tank and they haven’t died yet. A general rule is to stay away from species with an aggressive reputation or a mouth big enough to eat an Oto whole. ... will be infested with various parasites, common to many wild caught fish. It all depends on how picky your fish are, you will need to get lucky. Since these stripes are not all perfectly straight, some people call this Otocinclus type Tiger Otos for short. Look out for color changes, spots and wounds as well.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1','ezslot_31',123,'0','0'])); The two most common causes of disease are: When you spot disease, check the parameters of the tank are where they should be. Soft Green Algae. I just don't want to have to many fish, that's why I am asking. Algae is often seen as a problem that needs to be cleaned away but removing all the algae from your aquarium would take away their main food source. Otocinclus is a fast moving, sucker mouth fish that feeds on algae. As far as colors and patterns go, one species can look very different to another. Otocinclus are social fish, living in shoals of thousands in the wild. These fish are herbivores which restricts what you can give them. If you’ve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! Both carry a dark horizontal stripe in a field of green to brown. Otocinclus tend to travel in schools, and it’s best to have several of these fish together when setting up an aquarium environment. Remember to keep the food balanced, and never overfeed your fish. Again reflecting their name, the Silver Oto features brown color patterns that look more silver. ; The distinctive black-and-white marked Zebra or Tiger Oto (Otocinclus cocama) is the most easily … The Otocinclus Catfish does not like protein and only … This is another species that looks like the Common Oto.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',158,'0','0'])); However, there is an easier way to identify it. Otocinclus tend to be very skittish around larger fish. Otocinclus are about a low-maintenance as it gets. Other tank conditions also need to be near perfect for breeding to work. If the tank isn’t that thickly planted, then 10-12 Otocinclus affinis species for 100 liters of tank capacity (26,42 gallons) is enough. Otocinclus come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they are native to South America. 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. They are easy to care for so people of all experience levels can have a go at looking after them, you are unlikely to make many mistakes with such an undemanding fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-2','ezslot_33',126,'0','0'])); If you do end up getting some of these fish, you will get both a cleaner tank and a social group of bottom-dwellers. This is due to their pleasant and non-threatening personalities and behavior towards others inside of a tank. You already know that the 5 to 6 Otocinclus is the ideal number of fish to be kept together by the rough calculation we have done above. Their shape is streamlined and some say they re… There are around 19 species of Otocinclus and they come in all different sizes, patterns and colors. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. Have you used Otocinclus to control algae? Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. Water changes every 1-2 weeks will help with this. This is how Otocinclus breed in their natural environments. Likewise, why do my Otocinclus keep dying? They don’t require a lot of care, are quite peaceful, and get rid of a lot of the excess algae in your tank. Otocinclus is a genus of catfish in the family Loricariidae native to South America which are commonly called "dwarf suckers" or "otos". When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. Otocinclus are social fish, living in shoals of thousands in the wild. When a group is latched onto the sides of the tank you’ll get an interesting view of their underside, revealing how they use their mouth to get a firm grip. Females are slightly larger and wider bodied than males. So, when cleaning the tank, perform water changes to reduce pollutants but don’t completely wipe away all the algae you see. The Otocinclus catfish has many alternative names and is also known as the oto catfish, as well as the dwarf sucker and the otto fish. Some plants are around, but not a lot of them. As we mentioned in the tank requirements section, it’s important for owners to provide hiding places in the aquarium so the smaller Otos have a refuge when disturbed by others. Green vegetables are best, such as lettuce, spinach and zucchini. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. Standard aquarium lights will be fine too. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. However, it can be done with trial and effort. Tank also has a heater, a good filter, light, hood, air pump, and thermometer(my tank stays between 80- 82 F). Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. They’re easy to look after too, so are great for beginners.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_16',152,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_17',152,'0','1'])); They’re peaceful creatures and can be put in a variety of freshwater community aquariums. These guys can make a significant impact on the quality of the water in your freshwater aquariums. Although they eat mainly algae in their native habitats, fish owners should provide other food for aquarium living Otos. Healthy Otocinclus will dart … You can use your vegetables to make some homemade fish foods too.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_15',137,'0','0'])); Just be careful not to overfeed your Otos. Most will be fine though. They’re found in tanks…, these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. We just love these little guys! A healthy tank usually means that you will have healthy Otocinclus, but they can be fragile fish. Here they attach themselves to the substrate or rocks in the search of algae. The fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well. So in today’s article, I am going to guide you on how many Otocinclus Catfish to keep in a 10-Gallon aquarium. Zebra Otos have vertical black and white stripes span from just behind the head to the caudal fin. Aquarium Source 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. The other fins are typically transparent in color. Otocinclus is a genus of freshwater catfish from the family Loricariidae. Loss of appetite, inactivity, and an increased respiration rate are all signs of disease. Learn more. Robert Woods is the creator of FishKeeping World, a third generation fish keeper and a graduate in animal welfare and behavior. They’re often referred to as “Otos” or “dwarf suckers”.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_28',109,'0','0'])); They are native to South America, mainly the rivers of North Argentina and Venezuela. How many Otocinclus should I get? 10 gallons is small, so one Otocinclus seems ideal. Because of this, you'll need to keep at least 6 in your tank – 10-15 would be better. Despite them eating algae, you still need to add some other food too. How many should I get in a 50 gallon so that I can feed them and are less shy? They are great for beginners and won’t take up much of your time.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-4','ezslot_3',134,'0','0'])); You don’t need much experience to look after them since they’re an undemanding group, tolerating a range of conditions. Let us know your experiences in the comments below…, Molly Fish 2021: Types, Care Guide, Mating And More…, The Complete Freshwater Puffer Fish Care Guide, 5 gallon fish tanks can add a stylish and sleek look to your home and there are lots of styles and designs available. It has the widest distribution and is a speckled brown color. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-3','ezslot_32',110,'0','0']));Otocinclus are best known as algae eaters. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. There are many Otocinclus tank mates that you can consider. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. Try to prevent cheating this algae eater when it comes to feeding. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. Their body is a simple cylindrical shape which narrows towards the head and caudal fin. They have muted green/brown/grey coloration often with a darker horizontal stripe down their flanks. Many pet stores will overfill the tank and house too many catfish in one aquarium. This is a very common problem that new owners face, so be a bit picky when making your selection! Pick a fine-grained sandy substrate; coarser grains can scratch their body and lead to health problems. Even as adults the largest Otos come in at around only 2 inches long. If you want to add more fishes to the tank, you will need to increase its size. Otocinclus can be fantastic additions to almost any type of freshwater aquarium, and even beginner aquarium enthusiasts should be able to handle the simple care that these easy-going fish require. Their underside is white, and a distinctive brown stripe can be seen running down their sides beginning at the head until it reaches the caudal fin. While this is something to keep in mind with regards to otto catfish tankmates, it also goes a long way towards explaining their behavior. Though it has the same dark stripe across its body, the caudal fin has a different design. If you have a tank of small freshwater fish, Otos usually make great additions. There are around 19 species of Otocinclus and they come in all different sizes, patterns and colors. They tend to graze on algae and often stay in groups to better protect themselves from larger fish. They mostly eat algae which is what they would normally eat in the wild. All fish should … The minimum number should be six, but the more the merrier. Feel free to email me any questions you have to paul_apgar AT hotmail.com. This means you can safely house 4 to 6 Otos, and more can be added as the tank size increases. Otocinclus FAQ. Otocinclus are herbivores and they need to be constantly grazing on green matter in order to survive. This still leaves plenty of species to choose from. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldn’t rely on it. Usually you may encounter this fish in streamside vegetation, especially in the grass among the water plants with large number of small leaves.You may also see this catfish in some open water mass. Sometimes individuals can die shortly after being introduced to a new aquarium, even if they look healthy and the tank’s conditions are perfect. These are similar fish to Common Otocinclus, and they often get misidentified. 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. If algae is getting out of control in your tank, these fish will work wonders and quickly graze the algae down. Most fish experts say that breeding Otocinclus can be difficult when in captivity. A brown stripe runs along their side from the head to the caudal fin. Otocinclus is a genus of freshwater catfish from the family Loricariidae. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. These are small fish, so they will be comfortable in small homes. Chop off a small piece or two and drop them into the tank a couple of times a week, making sure that they sink to the bottom of the aquarium. Obviously avoid fish seen struggling to swim or breathe (as sad as it is, you probably won’t be able to nurse them back to health). The algae will run out quickly if you keep a large group of Otos.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',121,'0','0'])); You can buy algae wafers from stores which should disappear over a few hours. When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. They’re bottom-dwelling fish so setting up the lower levels of the tank correctly is crucial. 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. Rocks can be used to create caves (these will be used as shelter when your Otos are stressed).eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',136,'0','0'])); Plants (such as Staurogyne repens) can be used to provide more shelter. Can I get an Oto catfish or two in a 5.5 gallon with my betta? Oh yeah, and they’re super cute! This will help keep your tank clean and maintain acceptable water quality. What Is The Ideal Tank Size For The Otocinclus Catfish? Dose that mean you can have as much as you want? Add one every couple of days. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Otocinclus care and any additional information that will be helpful if you’re an owner. Goldfish aren’t the best starter fish. These fish won’t become aggressive towards other fish. 4 to 6 Otocinclus catfish can fit perfectly in a 10-gallon tank. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. You can also provide a much larger tank as they will thrive in large tanks also. Mainly inhabits in small or middle-sized rivers with moderate flow. By watching your fish, you can quickly spot disease. It’s their natural food which makes them very easy to feed. Otos being wild caught: Pair of Otos mating: Links [edit | edit source] The males then fertilize the females’ eggs, which are laid in small bunches on surfaces around the tank.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-sky-2','ezslot_35',125,'0','0'])); After a couple of days, the fry will be out and swimming. Fish Keeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, it’s difficult to come back from later on. Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. Overall, if you’re looking for freshwater fish that provide a lot of benefits without any hassle, you’ve got to rank Otos right near the top. 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