lifespan?

what is the lifespan of an oto?? it seems like as soon as mine reach about 1.5-2" long they just die, they're definitely fat an healthy and show no signs of anythg except tha glazed over dead look, and this is usually only a few months. Now my LFS goes through these otos like a newborn through a pack of pampers, so i image their lifespan can't be that long, or am i just getting crappy otos? now i get them when they're about .5" and they triple insize within a month or so. i have no clue whats goin on, my tank params are all at 0 according to my tests all my barbs are fine so is the last remaining oto, who is still fat and eating, well i'm starting to ramble so i'll let someone else talk for a minute.

trates are scant only at the first level of color for my test, i believe it's between 0-10, i have been reading on them(otos) alot more after posting and think that the 2 that died just didn't make it through the initial 3-4 week "intro" period, my LFS only chrges 129 for them o i will pick up 2 more this weekend, although, the one that is left seems happy to have the smorgasbord all to himself!:grinyes:

bishop- i understand ur concern with the barbs, but they act like the otos aren't even there, i think they're more happy with the fact now i don't have to scrape the algae any more, they used to go nutz when i would sscrape the glass, all five having a panic attack, i kinda miss it so i thnk i'll just do it for old times sake!!!!