General dwarf oto questions

[chicago1847]

1. Do dwarf otos like to be in groups
2. How often do you have to supplement their diet and what do you feed them...I read that you should feed them algae wafers or blanched zucchini in addition to any algae they eat in the tank...any input?

 

[tanker]

1. Do dwarf otos like to be in groups
2. How often do you have to supplement their diet and what do you feed them...I read that you should feed them algae wafers or blanched zucchini in addition to any algae they eat in the tank...any input?

They do not school if that is what you mean. They need no other of their kind to be happy. A "seasoned" well planted tank is what they like. They do eat "greens", but have never seen any of mine come off the plants or glass to eat algae waffers. I have about a dozen in my tank (3 different kind).

 

[reiverix]

Although otos don't form a shoal, they do seem to like others of their own kind to be around. I can't get mine to eat algae wafers either but they will readily eat zucchini and yams. I believe otos should be fed enough so that their bellies are round. If I put in a slice of zucchini in my tank, it is gone within 2 days but my snails and shrimp take their fair share too. How much you target feed them really depend on how many otos you have, so try a small piece at first and see how it goes. Remove it after two days to prevent it from polluting your tank.

 

[chicago1847]

So how do you guys prepare the zucchini? Can I just nuke it in the microwave instead of boiling it? Do you put a weight on it or use one of those suction cup spikes and stick it to the side of the tank?

 

[iamgroovy]

Blanche the zuccini in the microwave in alittle water. Should sink. I have 3 otos and they play together sometimes and other times they're off on thier own.