Case of the missing otos

gravjack

gravjack

Ancient Junior Member
Dec 16, 2009
39
0
0
East Tennessee
Real Name
John
I'm stumped! I put 11 otos in my 135 planted tank over two months ago. At first they were all over the tank while the lights were on. Since then I added three cory cats and 3 BN plecos. Also 22 rummynose tetras in with them. Just after adding the plecos, started seeing less of the otos. There are lots of plants and driftwood so hiding places are plentiful. At first, they started coming out to the front of the tank only when the lights started cycling off. I feed zuchinni and Ken's veggie sticks daily just before lights out. Then I saw less and less. Two nights ago I saw one by using a flashlight. Last couple of nights, nada. I've searched the tank - no bodies. What's going on?
 
Is there anything else in the tank (stock) that you have not mentioned? How long was the tank up before you added the otos?
 
Otos are VERY GOOD at hiding. But if a few did die, the bodies would most likely be eaten by the other fish (& snails if you have them)
 
Agree. If heavily planted, good luck. On the other hand if the tank was too new, without enough algae built up, they may have starved. I've also read that once the bacteria in their intestines dies, the otos can't digest food and will starve. Where did you pick up the otos?
 
A few MTS and ramshorn snails is all other stock in the tank. The tank was about two months up and running, fully cycled when they went in. Currently: Temp. is 82, , PH 7.4, ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 5, KH 4, GH 6. All the other fish appear fat and happy. The rummies have bright red noses, lol. I have searched the tank carefully on repeated occasions and even though I realize other fish/snails will consume the remains, I have found nothing at all. Can't believe they would be consumed that fast. Really perplexed!
 
fishycat said:
Agree. If heavily planted, good luck. On the other hand if the tank was too new, without enough algae built up, they may have starved. I've also read that once the bacteria in their intestines dies, the otos can't digest food and will starve. Where did you pick up the otos?
Click to expand...

They came from Rachael. All fat and happy when they went in. BTW the one I saw by flashlight a couple of nights ago had a fat belly. Did not look to be starved. Originally they were coming to and eating the Ken's veggie sticks regularly. Seems unlikely that they starved.
 
I bet they are in there....they will surprise you and make an appearance soon. ;)
 
That's a great source ;)

Well, I'm hopeful that they're all just playing a wild game of hide n' seek with the plecs & cories!
 
I agree with those who say "hiding". When I had oto's I would go weeks without seeing them. Just when I became convinced that they must have died, I'd see one or two. They are expert hiders!
 
Being such a large tank and you say is heavily planted with lots of driftwood...presents itself to very good hiding. You could get an actinic light or make a DIY moon light and turn it on in the evening when the room is dark. You should see some activity then.

I would note one item of concern though if you don't mind. You say your temp is at 82? That is a bit on the high side for these little guys.
 
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