Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldnt rely on it. Try to feed them very tiny pieces of zucchini. The first few weeks of caring for Otocinclus are critical. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Which are flooded with plant life. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon). Dwarf shrimp are even more sensitive to copper than fish. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. Leave it under the strongest lighting you can find. Adults will attempt to eat eggs shortly after birth. How to breed them. High protein foods are essential in stimulating the spawning in otocinclus catfish. Sometimes the fish will choose to lay their eggs on nearby rocks. 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 Breeding Otocinclus vestitus. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. Other tank conditions also need to be near perfect for breeding to work. Otocinclus is a social fish. Im new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . The couple will assume a T-shaped position. Most people who have success breeding otos are experienced. Make sure that the food source sinks down to the bottom. According to the studies, males also possess a skin flap on the dorsal surface of the unbranched pelvic-fin ray, which is absent in females. 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. 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. According to the experiment, most Otocinclus population died within 48 hours at 0.575 mg/l Copper sulfate concentration. If your fish are sick, you can tell by a change in appetite, inactivity, or increased respiration. Breeding otos in captivity is rather difficult. It can be tough to get otocinclus fry to survive in the tank sometimes. This isolation should last for a few weeks. 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. Your email address will not be published. You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. Well, obviously we have to grow algae and the easiest way to do that is to use rocks in a separate container. Michael, Your email address will not be published. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, driftwood, and/or caves to hide in. Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. Otocinclus do not typically mate easily but a high protein diet can influence your fish into mating. Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. Since otos arent commonly bred in captivity, most of the otos that you find being sold in stores are caught in the wild. Sexing (Roberto E. Reis. This type of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first glance. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. The next day, Ill find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a peapod with all the green goodness sucked out of it. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. As already stated, Otocinclus varieties of fish tend to be calm and docile in temperament. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) My Otos LOVE sugar snap peas. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. . Their favorite meal comprises of algae and other microbes present in the tank. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. Its something that is being observed and studied. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. Most fish species from this genus have cylindrical shapes, and their head part is narrow as compared to the middle part of . When looking at the fish from the top, it should be easier to tell which is larger. Otocinclus come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they are native to South America. These peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves. As such, tank conditions, the size, spawning behavior, and breeding environment are essential if you want to have a successful breeding. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish can live for 5-7 years. Fast-growing plants typically consume dissolved nutrients and carbon dioxide before algae have an opportunity to feed and grow. After at least 1 week has passed, you can introduce your couple into the mating tank and hope for the mating ritual to begin. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. The female oto should lay close to fifty eggs before all is said and done. Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. You should test for Nitrites at this point and continue adding Ammonia through food. When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. Otocinclus catfish are egg-laying fish. It's easier to notice these differences when looking at the fish from above. Some people call these docile fish dwarf suckers or otos as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. If you are given them peas, they must be salt-free. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. You can easily see that the female fish is wider than the male. Keep them away from all types of, Another great question to ask your pet store is. Theyre interesting fish to look at and theyre helpful fish to keep in your tank. 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. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. Spirulina powder and algae should be their food. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. 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. 4. 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. At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. The best way to keep Otocinclus healthy is to keep stress levels and injuries to a minimum. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. Here are all the links I could find online so far in regard to breeding otocinclus: Spawning behavior by a fellow aquarist in Sweden. Scratches on this fishs body surface can lead to infections and other diseases, so efforts should be made to ensure the safety of these bottom dwellers. Then the male will swim away from the female. However . Breeding Otos. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. 2006. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Otocinclus is the right fish for . On. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae. They make an awesome community species, but they certainly are not peaceful community fish! article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. As a result, they do not get enough food and, eventually, get stressed. The Otocinclus catfish is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm (1 in). Running water is actually an. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. Its also necessary to make the water warm enough. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. 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. Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. In the wild, they primarily eat algae and slime (biofilm) that builds up on rocks and plants. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. The fish may also change colors and produce spots. Check out their mouths. Re: Otocinclus Breeding. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Even so, its something that can be done with the right approach. Spotted: 1. One interesting thing to note is that these fish prefer living in smaller rivers. All Rights Reserved. Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. Set up the breeding tank using the recommended methods above. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. To be honest, I haven't came across any one set thing that triggers the spawn. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. Every female can have from 16 to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size. Do your best to get to that point and you can count yourself lucky to have successfully bred otos in your tank. 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. Sadly, these fish arent commonly bred in captivity. They are also referred to as otto fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation of oto fish. This helps to keep dangerous accumulations of nitrates and ammonia from building up. Again reflecting their name, the Silver Oto features brown color patterns that look more silver. Read more information in my article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the survival rate of baby shrimp. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. Do your best to keep the tank very clean and monitor the water parameters closely. Best regards, They've been breeding for getting close to a year now. Home Otocinclus Catfish Otocinclus Catfish Breeding Guide. If youve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! First and foremost, if youre not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother. This might be disheartening to hear if you really want to breed these fish. You can easily breed otocinclus fish in a 20-gallon aquarium. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. Since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you might choose to give up if you dont get good results. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. You need to put the fish in a quarantine tank. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. TABLE OF CONTENTS Otocinclus Catfish Facts & Overview Appearance & Behavior Oto Catfish Care & Tank Requirements Tank Mates According to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm (1 inch) long. I then picked up some Apistogramma cacatuoides and a few German blue rams. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. Do not use and avoid medication, or plant fertilizer that contains Copper of any form. Otocinclus typically hatch in 48 to 72 hours at a temperature of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the regular hatching will include 40 to 55 eggs. When youre ready to try to get the fish to breed, its best to raise the temperature of the water a bit. The male will continue to chase the female for some time. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. The transit to the pet store is hard on fish. Checking the water parameters and figuring out if there are any issues is the first step. You must maintain a sizable group of them together since . They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. The biggest problems with this fish are people keeping them in too small tanks, in too small numbers and have poor water quality. Breeding Otocinclus! The moment you finish choosing the suitable mating pairs, the next form of action will be to have them conditioned. Hi Merel, Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. These fish are considered, Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. They are a peaceful fish that are often kept in aquariums. Growing to 3" in some cases, these fish, though with similar feeding, looks and behavior of Otocinclus are definitely "easy to spot". The eggs can be quite transparent sometimes. One interesting thing about otocinclus catfish is their nature of being easy-going and getting along well with other tank mates. Using an airstone will boost algae growth as well. Otocinclus catfish is also known as dwarf fish, Oto Catfish or simply referred to as otos. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? 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). The male fertilizes the eggs as theyre laid to make them viable. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. They thrive in planted tanks that have good water quality. 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Tank lighting Copper of any form sugar snap peas non-aggressive temperament a disk-like shape of their,. It can affect the survival rate of baby shrimp are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and these little! Article Step-by-Step Cycling your shrimp aquarium Fishless mg/l Copper sulfate concentration vegetables to middle... Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, diet, and Oscars pieces of zucchini than male!