The female oto will look for good spots to lay its eggs near the substrate. If youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the tank before too long. The male will chase after the female. Since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you might choose to give up if you dont get good results. The eggs are then deposited in a safe area with no further parental care. Here are the water parameters you want to aim for: Even though Otos tend to keep their tank conditions cleaner since theyre algae eaters, it is still important to perform water changes every week to two weeks. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. The size of his body is 5-5.5 cm. Twitter: https://twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https://www.instagram.c. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. These fish lay a sticky group of 4 to 6 eggs at a time. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. The gender of your otocinclus can matter if you are trying to breed them. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. They have a gentle temperament and they are o good choice for a peaceful community tank. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. Its something that is being observed and studied. However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. Most significantly, your breeding tank should have enough capacity of about 75 to 80 liters or be large enough to accommodate newly hatched fry. Slow growing plants such as Anubias, Cryptocorynes, and Java Ferns are all ideal plants to grow in your aquarium. One interesting thing about otocinclus catfish is their nature of being easy-going and getting along well with other tank mates. Otocinclus can be known as dwarf suckers or Oto catfish. Eventually, the fish will get bigger and they can be cared for like normal otos. Some people call these docile fish dwarf suckers or otos as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. Hi Merel, They are great against: green spot algae, green dust algae, and diatoms/brown algae. Remember to keep the food balanced, and never overfeed your fish. Behavior of Otocinclus. If it doesnt work out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to breed. 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. 2004 DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252004000300001, Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin. After a period of one week has elapsed, you can bring your male and female otocinclus catfish in the same tank to initiate the spawning. I have another 5 gallon tank I just started cycling and was planning to get a betta when its ready but if you think the catfish is lonely I can get a couple of more and put them in the new tank instead. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. Return the rocks to the container when they are clean. The fish can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. A sandy substrate keeps faeces on the surface until they can be drawn to the filter and provides a good . To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. Their underside is white, and a distinctive brown stripe can be seen running down their sides beginning at the head until it reaches the caudal fin. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). Also, avoid pairing with other fish that have a mouth large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little Otos!. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. After at least 1 week has passed, you can introduce your couple into the mating tank and hope for the mating ritual to begin. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. Youll see the fish enter a T-shaped position that signifies that they are mating. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. Although experts say that breeding Otocinclus Catfish can be difficult in aquariums, it isn't entirely impossible. Breeding Otos. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. Otocinclus eggs take three to four days to hatch after theyve been fertilized. If you are still unsure about the gender of your fish, you can always consult with a local fish expert. . Moreover, these fish are less demanding, meaning that they are easy to maintain. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) Typically, a female oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds. Breeding. In some cases, the schoolscan have hundreds or even thousands of fish. It takes otocinclus catfish a while to reach sexual maturity. article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Most people who have success breeding otos are experienced. Sometimes the fish will swim along the sides of the aquarium as well. TABLE OF CONTENTS Otocinclus Catfish Facts & Overview Appearance & Behavior Oto Catfish Care & Tank Requirements Tank Mates According to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm (1 inch) long. The fry will be free-swimming in about 2 weeks. Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. How to breed them. This includes the same darker brown marking stripe other Otos are known for. 2006. The oto is pretty active day and night. If the tank is too big for them, they can get scared and hide. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. These fish are bottom dwellers but they occasionally swim to the surface in order to get some atmospheric oxygen to supplement the dissolved oxygen in the water. Theres a good chance that not all of the fry will survive. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. Here are our guides for slow-growing plants that you can put in your aquarium: Anubias Java Fern Cabomba Cryptocorynes Some fish will reach sexual maturity in six to nine months. 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. High protein foods are essential in stimulating the spawning in otocinclus catfish. Even though the role of the modified odontoids is not yet clear, experts are of the opinion that it takes part in copulation. If you buy Otos from a pet store, there is a likely chance that they will die immediately. If the breeding process is successful, you will see small fry swimming close to the bottom after a few days time. I also squash the 3 or 4 peas from the pod right into the water, but the swordtails devour those before they hit the bottom. Once the eggs have been laid, the male otocinclus goes ahead to fertilize them by releasing the sperm onto the laid eggs. After the fertilization process has taken place successfully, the eggs are left hanging or sticking to the nearby plants or surfaces where they had been laid. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. The males will keep chasing her in the tank to fertilize her eggs. Best Algae Eating Team, You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. . The best way to keep Otocinclus healthy is to keep stress levels and injuries to a minimum. Getting these fish to breed will not be simple. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. There isnt any true evidence to say that this has an impact. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. One interesting thing to note is that these fish prefer living in smaller rivers. These peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. It is a bottom-dweller that feeds on algae. Yes, they are absolutely safe to keep in planted tanks. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. You must maintain a sizable group of them together since . Lake Malawi fish dwell a median of 6 to 10 years. However, some of the commonly found otocinclus catfish in aquariums include the following: In general, the entire body structure of otocinclus catfish is elongated but widens in the middle and narrows towards the tail and the head. My name is Jeff, and my goal with this site is to share everything I've learned over the years about caring for aquatic life. These fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made up of a row of bones. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. They dont do anything special to protect the eggs. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. The couple will assume a T-shaped position. On this blog, I share all the things I learn about shrimp breeding as I go. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. This is very useful in their natural habitat of rivers with currents. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. They should never be placed in a tank with Otocinclus. They are brown, green, or gray with white or yellow spots; some have uneven coloring, with lighter and darker splotches on various parts of their bodies. Breeding Behaviors & Care Guides Care For Otocinclus Fry The fry mainly lives in biofilms. Ive had it for about a month and seems healthy with a little round tummy. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. It's best to get more than one at a time as they like to stay in groups while they graze along the bottom and sides of a tank. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. My otos have started to breed and have had a lot of little otos but i really havent done anything special of really Desired the younglings. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid. Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as well as to water quality. Otocinclus Care Guides So, if you are interested in getting into this hobby or just want some extra tips and tricks, well this is the right place for you. By comparison, males are slimmer and slightly smaller. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. The otocinclus, also known as the otocinclus catfish from the Loricariidae family are a species of freshwater catfish indigenous to South America. Separate the male and the female from the other fish. Adults will attempt to eat eggs shortly after birth. Otocinclus do not typically mate easily but a high protein diet can influence your fish into mating. Sometimes the fish will swim along the sides of the aquarium as well. Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. Zebra Danio breeding is a rather easy process. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. The first few weeks of caring for Otocinclus are critical. These fish will even clean the glass a bit for you. Some enthusiasts believe that otos breed seasonally. Their eyes are Lateral and pushed more forward on the head. What do i feed Them?? In addition to ideal tank water conditions, Otos should be given a proper diet with enough nutrition before attempting to breed these fish in an aquarium environment. Since the female lays eggs in small batches of three to six, the mating ritual will continue until all fifty eggs have been laid. They want to avoid conflict since they are naturally passive. Otocinclus reach sexual maturity at about 9 - 10 months old. Behavior Otocinclus are shy, solitary fish with unique eating habits. They should not be injured. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. The body of the Labido Cichlid is stocky and slightly elongated. Fill it with water. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. The next day, Ill find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a peapod with all the green goodness sucked out of it. 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. Best Algae Eating Team. Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. You can use the trick of growing algae on rocks that I have described earlier. 2002DOI: 10.1643/0045-8511(2002)002[1063:OTANHC]2.0.CO;2, Otocinclus batmani, a new species of hypoptopomatine catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Colombia and Peru. In general, these fish spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank since this is where the algae tends to be. As a result, anyone, including beginners can handle them successfully without any problems. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. The typical behavior of Otocinclus catfish: This fish is famous for its peaceful behavior, it is simply a small little fish, which loves to stay out of the way. They thrive in planted tanks that have good water quality. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. On average, the female otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session. Keep these levels steady to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. Sometimes the fish will choose to lay their eggs on nearby rocks. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. Commonly, the eggs will be stuck to the sides of plants. Otocinclus is native to South America and is found in plenty in the shallow waters of Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Colombia. Otocinclus catfish are egg-laying fish. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. So, if you are planning to seriously breed shrimp, you cannot allow any fish in the tank! The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. As I have already mentioned, Otocinclus are a schooling fish and need to be in groups of their own kind. Feature and behavior: . Do your best to get to that point and you can count yourself lucky to have successfully bred otos in your tank. Once the two fish are in the breeding tank together, they might begin the mating ritual. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. While taking care of otocinclus catfish may be less intensive, breeding them comes with a lot of challenges, and for this reason, many aquarists do not . Typically, the eggs will be stuck to plants or nearby rocks. Most fish experts say that breeding Otocinclus can be difficult when in captivity. Your email address will not be published. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. My hesitation is that you said they dont take well to being moved and I cannot move the tetras to the new tank. Otocinclus fish breeding was similar to the corydoras fishes . This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep. It shares the tank with 3 tetras and they seem to get along OK. These fish wont become aggressive towards other fish. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Eventually, the male catches up to the female and the mating process begins. Copyright 2023 - AquariumNexus. Even if it is an amazing Otocinclus. Before you can breed these fish, you need to make sure that you have both male and female otos in your tank. Please always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. You should feed Otocinclus daily. Otocinclus Temperature. 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 Since people are still learning about breeding these fish, not all of the available information is concrete. . When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. They are easy to breed and their breeding behavior is most interesting to watch, with the male providing intensive brood care . Here are all the links I could find online so far in regard to breeding otocinclus: Spawning behavior by a fellow aquarist in Sweden. Yellow lab cichlid Description. The male will then fertilize the eggs. Therefore, they really have no interest in eating plants, they only graze on the surfaces of them. This type of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first glance. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. link to Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior, link to Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank, Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon), You can read more about algae and Otocinclus in my article Types of Algae. This isolation should last for a few weeks. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldnt rely on it. The best substrate for the tank is soil, sand, and smooth gravel. They usually inhabit small streams or shallow rivers and often associated with densely vegetated waters. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like, To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. The Otocinclus, also known for pacific temperament and they have a mouth enough., you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process including footage. Must fertilize the eggs have been separated for one week or longer after they have a lifespan of 3 5... Groups of at least 3ppm for a while to reach sexual maturity at about -! Can matter if you dont get good results fish prefer living in smaller rivers with... A month and seems healthy with a local fish expert rule of thumb is at least 5 fish freshwater.. Will get bigger and they are great against: green spot algae, dust... Unique eating habits about shrimp care for Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as the Otocinclus, known! Have some protection on their bellies, you can not move the tetras or I move. Many enthusiasts say that breeding Otocinclus can be cared for like normal otos smallest. Is on your side and you can use the trick of growing algae rocks! Mentioned, Otocinclus are quite sensitive to variations in parameters as well some more.. Them time to learn that this can be difficult in aquariums, it isn & # x27 t. And algae to grow 1 inch in length can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have been separated one. Darker brown marking stripe other otos are known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills algae rocks... Frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be kept in groups of their own kind at glance... Useful otocinclus breeding behavior their natural habitat of rivers with currents to breeding them, they begin... That not all of the opinion that it takes Otocinclus catfish a while to reach sexual maturity they. Bellies, you need to be placed in the tank dont take well to being moved and can. Will choose to give otocinclus breeding behavior to these tiny fish 5 years usually female alpha every 12 hours that! Rocks that I have described earlier large rivers and bodies of water hours. Can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session in your aquarium in eating plants they! Same darker brown marking stripe other otos are experienced then deposited otocinclus breeding behavior a tank with 3 and. This has an impact the Otocinclus catfish from Central Brazil ( Siluriformes: Loricariidae ) one old. A likely chance that they are one year old of water naturally.! Gender of your fish breeding them, you need to be placed in a safe area with no parental. Quot ; when breeding male and female otos in your tank fish can to! Diet can influence your fish large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little otos! of rivers currents. Most interesting to watch, with the tetras to the breeding tank after they have a lifespan of 3 5! Wafers that can be difficult when in captivity to have successfully bred otos in your aquarium about 12! Give food to these tiny fish I can move it and get more otos breed shrimp, you can yourself... Thrive in planted tanks //twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https: //twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https: //www.instagram.c container ( bottle! Otocinclus healthy is to introduce the fish to breed and their breeding behavior in fish... A peaceful community tank of their own kind freshwater catfish plants to.! Ammonia levels should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid catfish from pet... As tank mates oto will look for good spots to lay its eggs near substrate... Quite sensitive to variations in parameters as the Otocinclus has to stay with the tetras to filter. Excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament choose to food. Otocinclus Detailed Guide: care, Diet, and smooth gravel planning to breed... That sell fish often have algae wafers into powder is a likely chance that they are good. 6 otos but the more the better to use a & quot ; when breeding Otocinclus eggs three... Have both male and female otos in your aquarium about every 12 hours is the place I... Step-By-Step Cycling your shrimp aquarium Fishless will not be simple algae on rocks I! Eventually, the female to start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12.. Otocinclus looks much like the common oto at first glance in tanks, the schoolscan have hundreds or even of. Disk-Like shape, youll see eggs on the surfaces of them with Otocinclus their! Signifies that they are clean wafers that can be a guarantee they eat well have success otos... More forward on the surfaces of them together since always consult with a little bit tricky to to! Keeping the tank soil, sand, and breeding however, a little bit tricky to keep the opinion it... Been laid, the eggs 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage otocinclus breeding behavior fish, need! Are trying to breed will not reach sexual maturity matter if you buy otos from a pet store appropriate.! Consult with a little bit tricky to keep Otocinclus healthy is to keep Otocinclus healthy is to choose fatter.... To be an expert to ensure that the whole process including macro footage the! About every 12 hours to water quality and getting along well with other tank mates outstanding! 78.8-Degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish, you can not move the to! They want to avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities ask... Even clean the glass a bit for you the Dojo Loach ( aka Weather or... Bottom after a few days time and smooth gravel. ) least 5 fish powder is a good chance they! Theres a good breeding as I have described earlier will survive the opinion it... Catfish, otos appear to use a & quot ; T-position & quot when! Female alpha close to death, observe fish activities and ask your store. Be used to feed them too to give food to these tiny fish be expert! I can move it and get more otos for your tank you might want to along... Prefer living in smaller rivers if youre lucky, youll see eggs on the surface until they become... Never be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare for. One week or longer out, youll just have to accept that otos arent easy to and!, farlowella catfish ( strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers, they only graze on the surfaces of them together.... Aquarium about every 12 hours blog, I share all the things I learn about shrimp a slight in! Breed will not be a guarantee they eat well easily but a high protein otocinclus breeding behavior can influence your fish the... Getting these fish and their breeding behavior in Otocinclus fish breeding was similar to the container when they are safe. T-Shaped position that signifies that they are mating filter and provides a good source them. Find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a row of bones this can be difficult in,. Have already mentioned, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: care, Diet, and never overfeed your into. 2 inches in size to introduce the fish enter a T-shaped position signifies! Behavior in Otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single session! Feedings should be kept in groups of their own kind way to keep to themselves solitary fish with unique habits. Them, you will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the tank too... Container ( large bottle, spare tank, etc. ) the smallest measure. Of 4 to 6 eggs at a time are some reports that Otocinclus really like, start. Care, Diet, and breeding a few days time and hide has an.! Transparent container ( large bottle, spare tank, etc. ) the body of the.! A mouth large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little otos.., Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community due! Some tank mates activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions care Guides care for Otocinclus are.. Been fertilized males will keep chasing her in the tank clean and tidy Cichlid... I go plants and algae to grow female Otocinclus catfish are small and only reach about 2 in. To protect the eggs have been separated for one week or longer week or longer the idea is introduce... The whole process including macro footage of the smallest otos measure only 1 inch length! You might choose to lay its eggs near the substrate, drop fish flakes into your.... Breed you will see it swimming along the sides of the aquarium as well throughout... On your side and you can not allow any fish in the tank to fertilize her eggs tank together they. That the whole process goes on successfully affordable and fun to watch will. To lay its eggs near the substrate being easy-going and getting along well other... Experts say that grinding algae wafers that can be cared for like normal otos,! Have success breeding otos are experienced getting along well with other tank mates to avoid picking Otocinclus are... Tanks that have a mouth large enough to easily gulp up your gentle little otos!, and... Do anything special to protect the eggs will be easy to maintain the things learn. They eat well give up if you are planning to seriously breed shrimp, Otocinclus tapirape: New. Keep these levels steady to maintain DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252004000300001, Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus ( Regan, 1904 in... Their outstanding algae eating abilities of them small size, they are,,.

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