Update: Added New Ottos

Riso-chan

Riso-chan

The Blue Girl
Jan 17, 2005
322
0
0
41
Florida, USA
I just added 5 new little ottos to my tank a day ago. I'm familiar with the fact that these guys have a high mortality rate, and I wanted to know how many days would mark an acclimation period for them so I could be sure they've survived a tank transplant.
Also, while at the lfs I asked whether or not they were captive bred, because I don't like the idea of wild caught fish for obvious reasons. I was told they were, but I've read they are difficult to breed. They appear to be young.
Another thing, I had a small conversation with the guy who got the fish for me. I told him I had one lonely otto in my tank and that I wanted more to keep him company because naturally they school. He then said to me "It's just a fish." I'm not an animal rights freak nor am I with the EPA, but I do happen to find it cruel when others of my own species treat other beings on this planet like nothing more than inconveniences. I know for a fact that some other creatures in this world have more sense than a human being.
Oh, and 'just a fish' can do alot more than swim, just a fish can help manitain a whole ecosystem, just a fish can affect an entire food chain if it disappears. I know going off on a rant here, but I had to express my sentiments somewhere they will be understood.

PS: Also bought some sponges to start up a better bacterial colony in my filter.
 
First of all, I'm betting your otos were wild caught. 99% or better are, since they don't breed easily in captivity and when they do they aren't especially prolific.

Do you know how long they were at the dealer before you purchased them? Did their bellies look full and round, and was there algae or another source of food in the tank(s) you purchased them from? Are they fairly active (staying busy grazing on algae)?

Many people have bad luck with otos. Usually the cause of death is related to starvation, internal parasites, or both. Proper acclimation is also vital, and a planted tank (which I see yours is) is a huge plus. Is there plenty of algae in your tank for them to graze on? Even if there is plenty of algae, it doesn't hurt to supplement their diets with fresh veggies and wafers.

IMO if they live for a month or better and are still thriving, they should last a long time. Of course it's hard to estimate their age since the vast majority are wild caught. It sounds like yours are fairly young though.

I have two species of otos and some hisonotus (closely related) - 27 total, so it's obvious that I am a fan of these fish. Good luck with yours!
 
From those links when I looked through them maybe I missed something but it seems their main natural diet is green algae?

How about Brown algae?

And for those who know what I posted before DON'T WORRY I won't be getting an oto anytime soon just wanted a lil information because I'm trying to decide if I want ghost shrimp or otos. I won't do both because I think with my 10 gal and my plans it'll be too much.
 
Good Colors

The lfs I bought them at had just got them in, and had put them in a planted tank with algea. The ones I have all seem to have full little bellies. Some were a bit washed out at first, but all their colors look good now. I noticed their eyes have an orange iridesence to them. There's plenty of brown algea on the sides and back walls of my tank. I'll be sticking some cucumber in there tonight for them. They're pretty active, too. The one thing I'm pondering is if the store had just gotten them in when I bought them, maybe any poor husbandry on their part may have been avoided. I've also noticed that they are feisty little fish, they'll chase any of the species fish that comes to investigate too close. It's kinda like a chihuaha chasing a bigger dog.
 
tornangel - They will eat green algae (especially soft and new growth), but brown "algae" (diatoms) seems to be their favorite. My zebras reduced the brown algae I had to almost none within days.

Riso-chan - The "washed out" color is a normal thing when they are stressed. It normally doesn't take long for the color to come back once they settle in. The reason it's recommended to buy otos that have been in the store for a while is because they endure a lot of stress during shipping, and usually haven't had any sustinence for a while. Buying them right away can be a gamble, because it's often hard to tell how an individual fish has been affected by the shipping process. By waiting, you give them time for the weaker ones to die off. Sad, but true. It sounds like yours appear to be in good health at least - hope they all do well!
 
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