Ottos being bullied?

[snakeskinner]

I finally broke down and bought a pair of Ottos being they are so highly touted on this forum. I put them in a heavily planted 36 gallon. I have a 6" pleco (MIA at this time), 3 giant danio's, 2 serpae tetras, 9 ghost shrimp and an adopted gold gourami. I introduced the two ottos yesterday and the gourami immediately starts pecking them and chasing them. If they stay stuck on a leaf or somewhere out of view, they're ok but if they head to the front of the tank (where the gourami hangs out), he goes after them and pecks them when they're on the glass. If they swim off, he chases them around the tank till they lose them. I purchased 5 small tiger barbs today so maybe they'll keep him in line once they get established in the tank. I chase the gourami away with my hand or sometimes a net, hoping to give them a chance to do their job but he is resilient. Ever had this problem? thanks, Kyle

[Leopardess]

Hm...that's odd. I've never had anything bother an oto before - not even my most aggressive bettas.

maybe he will soon loose interest?

Perhaps buy a couple more to divide the attention...you can fit some more in there and they will help clean even more.

[snakeskinner]

I couldn't remember how big they got so I only got two. I will probably get another pair next chance I get. Kyle

[Leopardess]

Are you sure you got otos and not an SAE or CAE which can be very aggressive?

Otos only get to be about 1 - 1 1/2max

[snakeskinner]

they are ottos I'm sure. I'm not sure what an SAE or CAE is (somewhat of a newbie). If one of them is the common "algae eater" or sucking loach, I can't stand those. they are way too aggressive. I've had them kill other fish in the past by chewing holes in their sides.

[LMOUTHBASS]

are a great little fish - i keep mine in a 55 g with gouramis n have never encountered a problem - they used to live in a 20g with them - what type of gourami? some gouramis can be buttheads to be honest - my platinum chases everyone aroun to let them know he's boss - i have a strange feeling that will be ending soon ;) when someone new is introduced in the next few mos - anyhow - it sounds like he was checking the ottos out rather than attacking him - fish sometimes will peck at things to see what they are and seeing how he never saw ottos before maybe he was exploring - i think once he figures out they aren't gonna bother him or threaten his status in the tank he will ignore them - is he king of the tank? if so this is prob what it is - also when you can get a few more ottos they like to be in a group - also the tiger barbs prob aren't a good choice since you have a gourami - if they harass him they will nip his feeler fins - hopefully since you got a small group of them they might just take their aggression out on each other - but they are mean little b*stards