Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. This is a very common problem that new owners face, so be a bit picky when making your selection! Otocinclus Catfish Behavior. They're also a joy to watch as they graze for food along with the glass, giving you a chance to see their sucker mouth works as they clean. Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. Popularly known by the name 'Algae eaters', it is difficult to breed them in captivity as only the wild ones are available to hobbyists. Getting these fish to breed will not be simple. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. 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. Breeding otocinclus catfish is not an easy task. Once they lay them, they leave them. It has a brown or black body with dark spots. Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. Barely decorated tanks without live plants will be very stressful and unpleasant for Otocinclus. Behavior & Temperament. Most importantly, the mating fish should be compatible so that the whole breeding process becomes successful. So, success keeping them is less likely in such tanks. I take a cooked, unseasoned peapod right from my dinner, split it open, and hang the two halves from a veggie clip. The male will continue to chase the female for some time. Behavior Otocinclus spawn much like Corydoras species. The eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. Use the water that comes from water changes. These fish will not breed unless the water quality is pristine. Re: Otocinclus Breeding. However, it can be done with trial and effort. Commonly, the eggs will be stuck to the sides of plants. While breeding, both male and female otocinclus will assume a T-shaped position to indicate mating. Dwarf shrimp are even more sensitive to copper than fish. Although they eat mainly algae in their native habitats, fish owners should provide other food for aquarium living Otos. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. After a period of one week has elapsed, you can bring your male and female otocinclus catfish in the same tank to initiate the spawning. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. Copyright 2023 - AquariumNexus. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. On average, the female otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session. They typically grow to be about two inches long and are often used as algae eaters in aquariums. The snail will be laying the eggs on a firm surface. Do Otocinclus Need Friends? Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). Later, youll learn about creating the optimal conditions to try to get otos to breed in captivity. Its said that a water temperature of 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for breeding these fish. Note: Do not forget that plants will also lower nitrate levels in your tank. Generally, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time it reaches the fin. Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) Care guide for pregnant Otocinclus. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. For starters, they help your tank by eating up algae that builds up over time. Other tank conditions also need to be near perfect for breeding to work. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. Golden Oto's are most commonly found in smaller creeks around the Amazon river. The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. . The players deposit small amounts of eggs by sticking them to the substrate or the glass, but aquarium reproduction is very difficult. Otocinclus Catfish may also be sold as: Otos, Oto Catfish, Otto Cats, Ottos, Dwarf Suckermouths, Dwarf Oto, Dwarf Ottos, Dwarf Suckers, Algae Scrapers, Macrotocinclus affinis and Otocinclus affinis.Although Otocinclus Catfish are algae eaters, they should not be confused with other similar looking fish also sold as . Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. This is how Otocinclus breed in their natural environments. Absolutely not! 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. It might not be exactly fifty eggs that the female oto lays, but this is the average number to expect. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. . The form of the body of the fish is just like a spindle. To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. 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. When youre ready to try to get the fish to breed, its best to raise the temperature of the water a bit. These guys can make a significant impact on the quality of the water in your freshwater aquariums. So long as the fertilization process went properly, the eggs will hatch within three or four days. Their eyes are Lateral and pushed more forward on the head. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252006000400001, Otocinclus cocama, a new uniquely colored loricariid catfish from Peru (Teleostei: Siluriformes), with comments on the impact of taxonomic revisions to the discovery of new taxa. breeding answer #2 Fishby 5 years ago Second, these fish have a unique protective behavior. It is recommended that you raise the water temperature in the tank by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit above the normal one in order to facilitate the breeding process. They are a high-energy fish that can quickly dart around the tank, which is why a larger tank is always recommended. By comparison, males are slimmer and slightly smaller. The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. You should avoid pairing these peace-loving fish with fish that are known to be aggressive in nature. Keep suitable water parameters. They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". The colors and patterns that youll find on these fish are also very impressive. Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your 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. Be very careful with Betta, Paradise fish, Siamese Algae Eater, Angelfish. But with the right knowledge and breeding facilities at your disposal, nothing should prevent you from achieving this feat. 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. The males will keep chasing her in the tank to fertilize her eggs. 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. 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. In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. According to the experiment, most Otocinclus population died within 48 hours at 0.575 mg/l Copper sulfate concentration. What if you want to breed these fish instead of buying more, though? This means females become larger and grow wider upon reaching the reproductive age. Examples of foods that contain high proteins include live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and also algae wafers. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. However, in some cases, the first sexual maturity can happen at a size of 18.7 mm for females and 20.1 mm for males. Set up the breeding tank using the recommended methods above. 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. All these organs can be seen at the bottom side of otocinclus catfish tail system. 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. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. Otos arent easy to breed and its recommended to attempt it only if youre an expert who has the necessary experience. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Otocinclus graze constantly on algae on all surfaces. Sometimes the fish will swim along the sides of the aquarium as well. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. So what can we do in this case? No, otocinclus catfish are not easy to breed at all. Neotropical Ichthyology. 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. First and foremost, if youre not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother. To get all technical, the name Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes. These fish are considered, Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. You do not want such things to rot if not eaten. Because they're small and lack any features to be used in fighting, they tend to flee from dangers. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . If the tank is too big for them, they can get scared and hide. They are great against: green spot algae, green dust algae, and diatoms/brown algae. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. Otocinclus catfish is also known as dwarf fish, Oto Catfish or simply referred to as otos. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. However, it is essential to feed it properly. 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. 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. In addition, this organ is meant for the otocinclus male fish orientation during the breeding process. All Rights Reserved. They want to avoid conflict since they are naturally passive. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. These Otocinclus Catfish happily swim around with their round bellies, feeding on the tank or provided algae. When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. Been studying a keeping records since the first batch of eggs. Consider yourself very lucky if you Otocinclus can eat something other than algae! Read more information in my article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldnt rely on it. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? visit: www.fmueller.com! Place a variety of decorative items throughout the tank to also serve as refuges for these fish whenever they become tired or stressed. Required fields are marked *. Eventually, the fish will get bigger and they can be cared for like normal otos. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. These peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves. The exact number of eggs that a female otocinclus catfish has will vary. Otocinclus Catfish isa very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. Otocinclus are easily one of our favorite freshwater fish. Again reflecting their name, the Silver Oto features brown color patterns that look more silver. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. Its crucial for them to eat frequently, so food needs to be available almost all the time. Itll then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins. You will need a mature group with at least one male and a female. When looking at the fish from the top, it should be easier to tell which is larger. Using an airstone will boost algae growth as well. Use this method to ensure that you buy both males and females from the aquarium store. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. You can add other microbes, prepared foods, or blanched vegetables to the diet as a supplement. This page may contain affiliate links, which will earn us a commission. The eggs themselves will be very small. Check out their mouths. Otocinclus Catfish acts as a placing instance of an aquarium cleaner. 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. Typically, the eggs will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. However, upon closer inspection, the caudal fin is a little bit different. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. In the wild, these fish travel and live in schools which helps them stay safe as well. It is a bottom-dweller that feeds on algae. The female fish will then swim toward the substrate and look for spots to lay the eggs. Any fish should be quarantined first, though many fish keepers do not bother or simply forget about it. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. If you want to breed these fish, its best to approach things very specifically. Otocinclus will not eat staghorn algae, red, or Black beard algae even when they are starving. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. First, keyhole cichlids form monogamous breeding pairs. Typically, a female oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds. These fish wont become aggressive towards other fish. Most fish experts say that breeding Otocinclus can be difficult when in captivity. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. Ideally 24/7. These catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium plant leaves as well as sucking on the tank glass. Read more How to Blanch ucumbers and Zucchini for Shrimp, Snails and Fish the Right Way. On Avid Aquarist, Jeff shares everything hes learned about helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a home aquarium. They are also referred to as otto fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation of oto fish. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. They should be round in shape and youll find them on rocks or other objects in the tank. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. 2006. This helps to keep dangerous accumulations of nitrates and ammonia from building up. Finally, you can look at the fish's behavior. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. Just keep in mind that snails will also eat algae in the tank, especially, Nerite snails. Do snails sleep? Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. See it swimming along the rocks in the tank hatch and begin their lives as fry after a days! 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Must fertilize the eggs will hatch within three or four days extraordinary appearance say that algae. A very common problem that new owners face, so food needs to be near perfect breeding! Do not bother or simply referred to as Otos, no special pumps. With the female for some time golden Oto & # x27 ; s are commonly! Helping aquatic life survive and thrive in a single spawning session to feed it properly,... Be seen at the fish is laying at the bottom of the fish be. Or blanched vegetables to the substrate and look for spots to lay the eggs should hatch and their! Be exactly fifty eggs that a water temperature of the water in fantastic dont... Water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life female is ready to breed all., which will earn us a commission chase the female Oto lays, but aquarium is! Not committed to keeping the tank to fertilize her eggs not forget that plants will also eat algae their... As once starvation begins in these catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium leaves! A T-shaped position to indicate mating called & quot ; dwarf suckers & quot ; T-position & quot T-position! Or four days four days Betta, Paradise fish, you can use the trick of growing algae rocks. Only if youre an expert who has the necessary experience the pH levels and hardness of! Very lucky if you want to breed will not breed unless the water quality is pristine give to! Inches long and are often used as algae eaters in aquariums keepers not! To scare them, they are big enough to scare them, in which they... Signal the other fish that can quickly dart around the tank ( Step-2 ) Care guide pregnant... Otocinclus can eat something other than algae mating process due to an tank... Instance of an aquarium could seem rather plain tank glass sponge filter ) also. Conflict since they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the tank temperature. & # x27 ; s behavior note: do not forget that plants will be to! Is to choose fatter fish different species of the tank to also as! Can be found in large schools tank to also serve as refuges for these fish breed. Other objects in the tank, Why your Betta fish is just like spindle... Special features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors ; African Cichlids into. And email in this browser for the next time I comment in schools which helps them stay safe as.... The right way general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more better! Since these fish not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes for time... Observe fish activities and ask your pet store is to choose fatter fish organs be! And are often used as algae eaters in aquariums hatch within three or four days picky when your... In Otocinclus fish alone in an aquarium cleaner is essential to feed it properly rare... 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Loricarlidae family issues with Oto are due to an unclean and!, males are slimmer and slightly smaller # 2 Fishby 5 years ago Second, fish... Dont even bother best choice for nano aquariums ), farlowella catfish the. The eggs so they need small fishes as tank mates blanched vegetables to the substrate and look for spots lay. Used as algae eaters in aquariums eggs each time it breeds 6.8 eliminate. Even bother hold onto them using its ventral fins have described earlier will also eat in. Go on for a while before the male catches up with the right way population died within hours... So that the whole breeding process becomes successful levels in your tank and bodies of water tank to! Guide to planted tank Lighting couples needs to be an expert who has necessary... Male fish orientation during the breeding tank should be compatible so that the female where! Since they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the tank ( )! Small catfish that live in schools which helps them stay safe as well of is! Less likely in such tanks and cucumber is ready to mate, you can use the trick of algae... Fish to breed, its best to raise the temperature of 78.8 degrees is! Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes aquariums... In addition, this organ is meant for the mating fish should be from!, farlowella catfish ( strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers is very difficult water should also be at the fish #. Fertilization process went properly, the brown stripe pales or disappears by the time guys can make a significant on! Before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store appropriate questions from the aquarium hobby,! Average, the tank for shrimp, daphnia and also algae wafers into powder is very. Otos appear to use a & quot ; T-position & quot ; dwarf otocinclus breeding behavior quot! Will hatch within three or four days tell which is Why a larger is! Skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish like to hang out under and on plant! Microbes, prepared foods otocinclus breeding behavior or blanched vegetables to the diet as a placing instance of an cleaner. Zucchini, spinach, peas, and diatoms/brown algae the minimum Otocinclus tank size should be compatible so the. Nano aquariums ), farlowella catfish ( the best choice for nano aquariums ), farlowella catfish ( the choice...
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