Giant Otocinclus

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Jan 1, 2006
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Houston, TX
Giant Otocinclus
Has anyone ever heard of these guys??? Giant Otos sounds kinda good to me since I have Angels, but I can't really find any specific info on these guys. Will they eat my plants is the most important question....
If you have any info help me out or links etc...
Thanks!!
 
I had a giant oto. They will do a great job getting rid of algae, but shouldn't hurt the plants. As they are I think wild-caught, good water quality and correct water chemistry are needed - Mine did well for a few months, but then died mysteriously - water tests said ammonia etc were fine, so I think it was the hard water that killed it.

BTW I think they are quite rare, so like H3D said, they maybe hillstream loaches. However you can easily tell by their appearance - genuine giant otos look just like big (3-4") regular otos, with slightly flatter heads.
 
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giant otos do really exist, scientific name is Otocinclus arnoldi, they are basically the same as regular otos (except they get a good 1-2 inches bigger.) in care needs, management, ect, and like dwarfs, need groups. they are pretty rare,though, and chances are you'd have to turn to the internet if you want some.
 
My LFS has these guys and yes they do look like regular otos, just a bit bigger. And yeah they are like $7 a piece, so that now explains the price.

Thanks for the info!!
 
I've got one and he's a great fish. He eats algae very well and does not harm plants. He also clings to decor with his pectoral fins, rather than his mouth at times. It's really cool to see. They're great fish and I'd buy more if I could find them.
 
how can u tell a regular really big oto from a giant oto? most of my otos are and inch big but i have two that are thick and about 2-3 inches, are they just big or are they giants, and i have seen them cling to stuff without using their mouths, but some there fins.....:huh:
 
there are clear differences. The giant oto has a broad flat head and is brownish overall. Here's a couple pics of mine:

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