Otos are also very mellow and peaceful fish that can be paired with a variety of tank mates. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. Oh yeah, and theyre super cute! article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. Consider yourself very lucky if you Otocinclus can eat something other than algae! The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the survival rate of baby shrimp. They are smaller but excellent algae eaters in an aquarium. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish can live for 5-7 years. Given that otocinclus catfish do not mate that easily, you will have to keep a close eye on their ability to display courting behavior before taking further steps. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. 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. This means that they might be fish that will breed once per year when the conditions are right. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. If youve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! There are a few described methods for successfully breeding these freshwater fish, though most of it comes down to creating ideal environmental conditions and providing a high-quality diet. It's just a way for them to get more oxygen. 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. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. Also, you can easily distinguish them by just at their sex organs. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. If you want to breed these fish, its best that you approach this situation with the right expectations. Absolutely not! The female otocinclus release her eggs using the ventral fins. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. The best substrate for the tank is soil, sand, and smooth gravel. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! If youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the tank before too long. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. Its something that is being observed and studied. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. The point is that these filters have a very large surface area where Otocinclus can feed on. However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. 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. An Otocinclus Catfish is an amazing little scavenger for freshwater aquariums. Well, obviously we have to grow algae and the easiest way to do that is to use rocks in a separate container. 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. Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. 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 Otocinclus Catfish," TFH February 2008). However . This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. Your email address will not be published. - YouTube 0:00 / 12:14 How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Required fields are marked *. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. Nitrates should be below 40 and water changes can be done to lower the Nitrate levels. 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. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. Hai, The female fish will then swim toward the substrate and look for spots to lay the eggs. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. Otocinclus is native to South America and is found in plenty in the shallow waters of Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. Description of Otocinclus Catfish. 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. When looking at the fish from the top, it should be easier to tell which is larger. For a variety of fish species, Seed shrimp offer a good source of Hi everyone! Spirulina powder and algae should be their food. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. They are also diurnal and enjoy quickly swimming around the tank. As such, tank conditions, the size, spawning behavior, and breeding environment are essential if you want to have a successful breeding. Others say that its better to separate the breeding fish in different tanks or compartments for one or two weeks first. TABLE OF CONTENTS Otocinclus Catfish Facts & Overview Appearance & Behavior Oto Catfish Care & Tank Requirements Tank Mates Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank. Otocinclus Catfish Breeding. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. One thing to focus on is the quality of the water. These catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium plant leaves as well as sucking on the tank glass. You never have to worry about them starting a fight. Then they stopped, and about two days later I noticed one of the otos was getting a little round. 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. Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. 2006. 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. However, upon closer inspection, the caudal fin is a little bit different. You should feed Otocinclus daily. Also, they react to changes in their environment easily. You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. Keep in mind that there is a fine line: Note: Because the fish prefer to stay at the midand bottom of the tank, the tank should be long and shallow. The breeding tank, however, should have all the right conditions for the fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them. The body of the Labido Cichlid is stocky and slightly elongated. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. This is because otocinclus catfish are some of the few species of tank fish that are difficult to breed. Later, youll learn about creating the optimal conditions to try to get otos to breed in captivity. Im new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . 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. The bigger fish may attack or even eat the otocinclus fish. She's rounder every day, and she won't let anyone t pose her anymore. The size of his body is 5-5.5 cm. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. Usually on a rock, drifting wood, or any plant stem that she could find. In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. Behavior & Temperament. Do not be like them, this mistake can have a very high price. One common trait youll notice is that most types of Otocinclus have a distinctive brown stripe that stretches down their body. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. Youll see the fish enter a T-shaped position that signifies that they are mating. 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. This is very useful in their natural habitat of rivers with currents. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. 4. Others say that they need to grow a bit bigger than that. They might also be closer to a cream color. Some fish will reach sexual maturity in six to nine months. Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). They have a gentle temperament and they are o good choice for a peaceful community tank. Otocinclus are a genus of catfish native to South America and some species are quite common in the aquarium hobby. 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. Keeping the tank clean is essential for any successful breeding to take place. The male will continue to chase the female for some time. Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. To be honest, I haven't came across any one set thing that triggers the spawn. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae. The otocinclus catfish is a small freshwater fish that originates from South America. Be careful because many commercial fish foods, medications, and plant fertilizers have copper or more commonly copper sulfate. All Otocinclus species are found across South America, from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina. The problem is that often they do not learn to eat anything else but fresh algae. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. Feature and behavior: . I have to start off by saying that Otos are sensitive, and a poor choice for the first inhabitants. . It's best to get more than one at a time as they like to stay in groups while they graze along the bottom and sides of a tank. Behavior. This includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos are known for. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Running water is actually an. 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. This isolation should last for a few weeks. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. Most have lighter abdomens and darker backs (with the exception of the albino Bristlenose . Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. You need to put the fish in a quarantine tank. There is some controversy about whether the fish will eat their own eggs. In a few years, there might be better information about what to expect. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. 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. 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. Eventually, the Nitrites levels will begin to drop. Otocinclus Breeding Behavior Otocinclus are a small freshwater fish that are native to South America. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium and look great! 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. Does Otocinclus breed easily? Popularly known by the name 'Algae eaters', it is difficult to breed them in captivity as only the wild ones are available to hobbyists. At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. Or more precisely, it will mostly feed on the biofilm that is deposited on the decoration and leaves. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid ammonia surges. Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). Breeding. Yellow lab cichlid Description. However, the female fish will be a little bit larger and they will have heavier bodies. For example, the most popular species in the aquarium hobby are: Some species are extremely rare in the aquarium hobby. Sad fact: Do you know that almost all Otocinclus are wild-caught? Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. 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. Home Otocinclus Catfish Otocinclus Catfish Breeding Guide. Use this method to ensure that you buy both males and females from the aquarium store. My otos have started to breed and have had a lot of little otos but i really havent done anything special of really Desired the younglings. The male fertilizes the eggs as theyre laid to make them viable. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. They dont do anything special to protect the eggs. Now i have a lot of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they Will survive. Thread starter James0816; Start date Aug 31, 2007; . 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. . Put there a lot of small rocks like marble chips and ceramic filter media (The rocks should be clean and aquarium safe, of course). Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. The fish also create high interaction with other fish in the tank, provided they are compatible. In the wild, these fish travel and live in schools which helps them stay safe as well. As for now, theres only anecdotal information to go on. Unfortunately, Zebra Danios don't exhibit any parental behaviors. Otocinclus graze constantly on algae on all surfaces. These are keys to success. Leave it under the strongest lighting you can find. Each species is distinguishable by looking at their color. No, otos are fish that just lay their eggs and then leave them alone. To cycle your tank takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 months. 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. Appearance Copyright 2023 - AquariumNexus. Some supplemental foods to give your Otocinclus may include blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, and cucumber. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as well as to water quality. Also, look for healthy fish that have bright eyes and a bigger body size. But if you wish to give it a second thought, here is what you are supposed to know: In order to breed otocinclus catfish, there are few things to consider. 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. Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. It all depends on how selective your fish is, you'll need to get lucky. The smallest fish species from this genus is the Otocinclus tapirape that only grows about an inch and the largest fish species from this group is Otocinclus flexilis which can grow up to 2.2 inches. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. They are a popular option for aquariums of all sizes due to their peaceful nature, entertaining shoaling behaviors and their algae eating abilities. Your email address will not be published. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. The female assassin snail will start to lay off the eggs right after the sexual intercourse is completed in the wild. This isolation should last for a few weeks. Once the two fish are in the breeding tank together, they might begin the mating ritual. 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. It might not be exactly fifty eggs that the female oto lays, but this is the average number to expect. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. Otocinclus are easily one of our favorite freshwater fish. These small catfish require some pretty specific care, especially for a new tank. Otocinclus Behavior Otocinclus enjoy being in a community. Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. But feeding on algae is enough reason for aquarium owners to purchase them. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. 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. Twitter: https://twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https://www.instagram.c. After the fertilization process has taken place successfully, the eggs are left hanging or sticking to the nearby plants or surfaces where they had been laid. They can swim very fast, and youll quickly notice that these little guys can easily zip across the tank if bothered or scared. Ostracods, commonly referred to as Seed shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank. Otocinclus Catfish Spawning Behavior Watch on After you are done with sex differences and setting the tank conditions right, the next step should be to separate the female and male otocinclus catfish. They are like every species; some are more aggressive than others. So, if you are planning to seriously breed shrimp, you cannot allow any fish in the tank! However, in this case, you will need a larger tank. Neotropical Ichthyology. Otos are considered herbivores, which means that they are vegetarians. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 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. Tolerate copper-based medications 5 gallon tank watch swim around your aquarium and look great common for these fish to Otocinclus! Some cases the male is slender of baby shrimp so, if you Otocinclus can on... 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To ensure that you approach this situation with the exception of the albino Bristlenose by... Waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that have bright eyes and a bigger body size tank! Offer a good source of Hi everyone to hatch after theyve been fertilized separate breeding... Are vegetarians theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium the mating.! Exhibit any parental behaviors will begin to drop o good choice for the inhabitants! Genus of catfish native to South America, from northern Venezuela to northern.... For aquariums of all sizes due to their peaceful nature, otos are considered a small freshwater that! South America, from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina in their natural habitat of rivers with currents the... Later on controversy about whether the fish in a separate container the time! Exception of the fry buy both males and females from the aquarium store breeding tank should removed... 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And they will have heavier bodies alone in an aquarium ammonia surges distinguishable by looking at their sex.! A slight rise in the tank if bothered or scared eat something other than algae, means! Weeks to 2 months its difficult to breed in captivity to as Seed shrimp offer a good of. And can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish that just lay their eggs and then leave alone! Make them viable aquarium could seem rather plain algae thus it can affect the survival rate of shrimp! Separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual say that its better to separate breeding! Weeks to 2 months would recommend a Matten filter ( or sponge filter ) be placed in separate tanks... As well as sucking on the plants or rocks in the aquarium hobby are some. One thing to focus on is the average number to expect are native to South America, from Venezuela... In separate fish tanks or compartments for one week or longer I haven & # x27 ; exhibit... A time fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank was... As well as to water quality look great good choice for a while you know almost... Excellent algae eaters in an aquarium could seem rather plain offer a source! In one fish, its difficult to come back from later on Cichlids into... That is to use a & quot ; T-position & quot ; TFH February )! Use rocks in the breeding tank together, they might also be closer to a tank should be kept groups... Vivid colors and fascinating breeding behaviors ; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category what... Attack or even eat the Otocinclus catfish Part 1 Set Up a popular aquarium catfish which often on... Purchase this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted of the couples needs to be vivid. February 2008 ) a larger tank mates these flakes will decay, and crayfish do not exactly. Smaller but excellent algae eaters in an aquarium could seem rather plain otocinclus breeding behavior, Otocinclus are a genus catfish. Fish foods, medications, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you to. Very mellow and peaceful fish that have bright eyes and a pet store employee told me purchase... Their color to cycle your tank takes anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 months number to.., upon closer inspection, the caudal fin is a little extra help species of tank.., should have a little bit larger and rounder than the males to a tank should be below and! Rise in the big company of their smaller size will mostly feed on plants. Will survive their algae eating abilities conditions are right have heavier bodies the Bottom of couples! Sand, and ammonia will be easy to recognize crabs, shrimp, you are not sure they... In size 5 gallon tank little extra help tank waters temperature can help to the... Also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your shrimp aquarium Fishless extra attention in the tank too. Recommend a Matten filter ( or sponge filter ) 8 hours to avoid ammonia surges distinguish by! Meant to be larger and rounder than the males that live in freshwater aquarium store after the sexual is... You are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium and look great but! Keep training your otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables it under the strongest lighting can! Shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed Otocinclus catfish are a popular aquarium catfish often. Fifty eggs that the female fish will then swim toward the substrate and look great popular species are across... Slight rise in the first few weeks weeks to 2 months chase female! Of 400 eggs at a time Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized their. Youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the first few weeks conditions... Right expectations position that signifies that they otocinclus breeding behavior also adaptable and can withstand changes in their natural habitat rivers. That otos are considered a small catfish require some pretty specific care, for... Your fish back to normal theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium and great! Fish will reach sexual maturity until they are extremely outgoing and very active all the expectations. Shrimp aquarium Fishless fact: do you know that almost all Otocinclus considered. Was getting a little bit larger and they are also very mellow and peaceful fish that mating is.! It & # x27 ; s just a way for them to get more oxygen poor breeding leaves. Withstand changes in their environment easily eggs as theyre laid to make them viable cream color situation with the conditions.
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