Aggressive oto?

[mwelin]

Is this even possible?

We had one oto in our 45 gallon, we decided to add 3 more. Since they've been in the big tank the existing oto has been acting rather aggressively toward the newbies. Initially, any time they tried to eat any of the diatoms on our rock wall he would chase them off but now he's started to pester the others whenever they get too close to him and he has a variable definition of "too close" it appears. He basically lands on their backs and keeps on top of them until they move far enough away from wherever he was.

Is this as aggressive as it seems and is this something that will subside? Will he damage the newbies with this?

[Riiz]

It happens, but atleast you have 3 to share the aggression. If possible moving around decor might reset the territories.

[luckydud13]

:iagree:

[fishorama]

I have otos able to hold their own against SAEs, loaches & other otos. If they want some shrimp pellet, they WILL have some. They are also able to stare down/ignore the gravel vac or any shooing fingers. Tiny but tough, I love them.

[mwelin]

Thanks everyone, I love the little guy I've just never seen this side of him before. After he got himself good and worked up protecting his area he even had a go at one of my angels who came in to investigate! He's quite spunky.

We don't really have much decor to move. The rock wall is holding back the Eco-complete that our plants are rooted in. The only movable piece is the driftwood really. Hopefully they can sort this out amongst themselves peacefully!