What do Otos eat exactly?

[jujubee]

The guy at petland said they eat algae and algae wafers. I have noticed that mine don't seem to go near the algae wafers and I am worried they are not eating. Also, are they a nocturnal fish, if so that could explain why I never see them going for the wafers.

 

[Firsttanks]

My Ottos pretty much ignore the algae wafers but they do a great job keeping the tank algae free. I have seen them go after the odd piece of frozen bloodworm that gets by my puffers, but other than a treat of cucumber once in a while mine survive on whatever algae thay can find.

 

[Seaman]

I dont feed mine anthing, but one cucumber a week, and just started doing that about a month ago...and my pleco is still getting large...i do have an ok amount of algae tho for him to graze on, though. Also ive had him for over a year.

 

[jamjarjames]

my otocinclus gets nothing but natural algae!

 

[jujubee]

well the problem is this is a newly established tank, so I don't think there is all that much algae for them to eat. How big of a piece of cucumber can i give them?

 

[ChicoRaton]

I'd just take a 1/4 inch slice and dip it in boiling water for a few seconds to get it softened and put it in. after 24 hours, take it out and boil a new slice and repeat. I hear you can do the same thing with romaine lettuce.

 

[holyherbiness]

My otoninclus eat algae, so that doesnt help much heh

 

[jujubee]

ok, they seem to be eating a little better, but still really aren't too active during the day. So I am still wondering, are they nocturnal, or are my otos just lazy?

 

[Rockin_Sunset]

hey

otos eat algae and vegetables

 

[bennubird]

jujubee

What is the temperture in your tank?

Otos are active fish, such that you should notice the fact that they almost always seem to be munching or at least trying to munch on something to eat. Mine take an occasional break and sit still, but it's not very long before they're off looking for more areas of the tank to find something to eat.