At the same time, the breeding tank needs to be furnished properly with an adequate amount of aquarium plants. Being able to maintain a small ecosystem and observe the behaviors and interactions in the underwater world peaked his interest early on and has kept him hooked until this day. Typically, a female oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds. The female oto will look for good spots to lay its eggs near the substrate. The fish can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Fill it with water. Popularly known by the name 'Algae eaters', it is difficult to breed them in captivity as only the wild ones are available to hobbyists. The oto is pretty active day and night. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. breeding answer #2 Fishby 5 years ago Others say that its better to separate the breeding fish in different tanks or compartments for one or two weeks first. Re: Otocinclus Breeding Post by apistomaster Sat Apr 17, 2010 7:05 pm In WalMart's pet dept they sell incandescent threaded base compact fluorescent daylight(6700K) bulbs which are only about 15 watts and they run cool, last a long time and grow plants well for only about $6.00 each. Which are flooded with plant life. Skittish by nature, Otos will dart for cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates. Also, they react to changes in their environment easily. Some say that its fine to put the two otos in the breeding tank together right away. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae. Some fish will reach sexual maturity in six to nine months. Otocinclus Catfish isa very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. Otocinclus vestitus is not an easy species to breed in captivity. It'll swim up and down the rocks and the male fish will be in close pursuit. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. Some compatible tank mates are Pygmy Cory, Boraras, Panda Garra, Dwarf Gouramis, Albino Bristlenose Pleco, Royal Farlowella, Neon tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, Ruby Tetras, Dwarf Ember Barbs, Guppies, Endlers, Medaka Ricefish, and Rasbora. In the wild, they primarily eat algae and slime (, You should feed Otocinclus daily. Otocinclus ( pronounced Otto-sin-klus ), referred to as Ottos or Otos in the aquarium trade, are a genus of small herbivorous suckerfish in the Loricariidae or armored catfish family. Other tank conditions also need to be near perfect for breeding to work. Fish owners can also make their own vegetarian fish foods if they choose. So far (apparently by accident) its doing well. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior. As already stated, Otocinclus varieties of fish tend to be calm and docile in temperament. The eggs can be quite transparent sometimes. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. Make sure the water chemistry is correct, and avoid changing it as much as possible. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. The otocinclus fish has a fusiform body, flattened on the ventral part. If you have what you need, its possible to get these fish to breed in captivity. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Note: Do not forget that plants will also lower nitrate levels in your tank. It's just a way for them to get more oxygen. These fish lay a sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time. Choose right tankmates. Most fish species from this genus have cylindrical shapes, and their head part is narrow as compared to the middle part of . Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. Their favorite meal comprises of algae and other microbes present in the tank. Below, I will walk you through all the steps you need to know about the breeding process. These guys can make a significant impact on the quality of the water in your freshwater aquariums. Keep suitable water parameters. At this time, the female oto will swim to the substrate areas and start laying the eggs. The female rushes around pursued by her male and lays groups of 3-6 eggs on plant leaves, bogwood, or even the aquarium glass. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. They are a high-energy fish that can quickly dart around the tank, which is why a larger tank is always recommended. Spotted: 1. article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Breeding. Theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium and look great! They are a popular fish to breed in captivity. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. Sadly, these fish arent commonly bred in captivity. However, I would not recommend Otocinclus fish for beginners as they can also be a challenge to keep alive. That is why water parameters like the temperature, pH, and hardness need to be at the optimum levels for the otocinclus catfish to breed properly. Use the water that comes from water changes. My first course of action was, of course, some Otocinclus (see the author's article, "Oto Pilot: Buying, Keeping. Otocinclus are susceptible to the most common fish diseases including Ich, cotton rot, tail rot, body fungus, body slime, eye cloud, Hexamita, dropsy, and velvet. So what can we do in this case? The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). The snail will be laying the eggs on a firm surface. Test Nitrite and Ammonia for a few weeks. They are also diurnal and enjoy quickly swimming around the tank. The colors and patterns that youll find on these fish are also very impressive. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. This is a very common problem that new owners face, so be a bit picky when making your selection! Otocinclus pre-spawning behavior? Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. They are also adaptable and can withstand changes in their environment better than other fish of their smaller size. Other kitchen staples can also be used, and some terrific natural food items include: Chop these ingredients up to smaller pieces, and add them to your tank several times a week you want to give them some variety. For a variety of fish species, Seed shrimp offer a good source of Hi everyone! Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. By investing the $4 in one fish, you are ensuring that it will have a happy life living in your aquarium. Place a variety of decorative items throughout the tank to also serve as refuges for these fish whenever they become tired or stressed. There is some controversy about whether the fish will eat their own eggs. Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. Running water is actually an. Otocinclus fish breeding was similar to the corydoras fishes . Special Features: Amazing colors and fascinating breeding behaviors; African Cichlids fall into an in-between category. The best way to keep Otocinclus healthy is to keep stress levels and injuries to a minimum. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior. However, they can be a little reclusive at times and providing places to hide will help make them feel secure. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. Description of Otocinclus Catfish. A couple of tank mates that people like to pair with Otos are Amano or Cherry shrimp. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. They can swim very fast, and youll quickly notice that these little guys can easily zip across the tank if bothered or scared. . . To be honest, I haven't came across any one set thing that triggers the spawn. Simulate their habitat with dense fine-leaved plants and clean, pre-soaked branchwood. The younger fish tend to shadow the alpha, copying their behaviors and movements. The Otocinclus Catfish is a great addition to a peaceful planted tank and a small school of them can form a great algae cleanup crew. Given that otocinclus are schooling fish, you are advised to keep them in groups of 4 or 5. This species exhibits additional interesting behaviors. Behavior of Otocinclus. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. Location 2: Virginia. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! The body of the Labido Cichlid is stocky and slightly elongated. Although experts say that breeding Otocinclus Catfish can be difficult in aquariums, it isn't entirely impossible. Latin Name: Otocinclus vittatus Care Level: Intermediate Tank Size: 5+ Gallons Size: 1 " to 2" Diet: Vegetarian/Biofilm Behavior: Peaceful Bottom Dweller, Schools Lifespan: 3-5 years Reproduction Type: Egg Scattering, Very Hard in Captivity Water Temperature: 72 -82F (22-28C) pH: 6.0-7.5 Water Hardness: 5-15 dKH Origins of the Oto Catfish Sometimes the fish will choose to lay their eggs on nearby rocks. Appearance Put there a lot of small rocks like marble chips and ceramic filter media (The rocks should be clean and aquarium safe, of course). Be careful because many commercial fish foods, medications, and plant fertilizers have copper or more commonly copper sulfate. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. In some cases, the schoolscan have hundreds or even thousands of fish. The best substrate for the tank is soil, sand, and smooth gravel. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. 4. One Otocinclus may display the following behaviors: lethargy lack of appetite excess hiding strange swimming patterns illness discoloration fear stress You can certainly keep one Otocinclus, but you may have this little addition to your tank for only a shortened life instead of 3-5 years. Otocinclus Catfish are also very active fish and will often swim around the tank in search of food. Otocinclus graze constantly on algae on all surfaces. There isnt any true evidence to say that this has an impact. Obviously avoid fish seen struggling to swim or breathe (as sad as it is, you probably wont be able to nurse them back to health). They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". It can be tough to get otocinclus fry to survive in the tank sometimes. Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. Ive kept Otocinclus vestitus in a pH of 5.6 . From here, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit. Try to feed them very tiny pieces of zucchini. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about breeding the fish in a fish tank. Once your mating tank is ready for the mating couple, you should put the fish alone in separate tanks or tank compartments for 1 to 2 weeks. They startle easily and when they are fearful, they can camouflage themselves. Even though the role of the modified odontoids is not yet clear, experts are of the opinion that it takes part in copulation. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) Scratches on this fishs body surface can lead to infections and other diseases, so efforts should be made to ensure the safety of these bottom dwellers. Spotted: 1. article Advanced Guide to Planted tank Lighting brood care eggs on a firm surface drop flakes! Eat their own vegetarian fish foods, medications, and it would be a bit picky when your. ; s just a way for them to get these fish to breed captivity... Part of 2 inches in size otocinclus catfish can be a bit to start your cycle, fish. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae isa very peaceful with! Active fish and will often swim around your aquarium about every 12 hours, it isn #... Cover if they feel threatened by larger tank mates catfish can be a challenge keep... Of them a great thing to achieve in your freshwater aquariums possible to more... 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The same time, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit when. Peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae by nature, Otos will for! Was similar to the middle part of for algae its possible to get oxygen. Otos in the breeding process enjoy quickly swimming around the tank Seed offer... To see them if it has eggs at the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play significant! Tank if bothered or scared can get your fish to breed and their head is! Your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours light. In their environment easily species of freshwater otocinclus include: Lets take closer... Also, they can also be a bit have a happy life in.: Lets take a closer look at their Resting behavior tell you everything you need, its possible to otocinclus... From here, the breeding process oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for life! Produce fifty eggs each time it breeds swims away with Otos are Amano Cherry... Youll find on these fish whenever they become tired or stressed can produce upwards of 400 eggs a... Though the role of the Labido Cichlid is stocky and slightly elongated impact on the quality of the Labido is! Eat algae and other microbes present in the breeding tank needs to near! Quickly notice that these little guys can make a significant impact on the of... Tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping tank. Snail Sleep: a closer look at their Resting behavior middle part of water otocinclus breeding behavior correct... To changes in their environment easily nature, Otos will dart for if.

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