Therefore, its important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. Every female can have from 16 to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size. MARK'S AQUATICS 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K views 1 year ago Hi guys. This species exhibits additional interesting behaviors. You can also read my article Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless. Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. They typically grow to be about two inches long and are often used as algae eaters in aquariums. Use the water that comes from water changes. They might also be closer to a cream color. Finally, you can look at the fish's behavior. We just love these little guys! For starters, they help your tank by eating up algae that builds up over time. Breeding Otocinclus! Millie is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and has been addicted ever since. Sharp gravel should be avoided because it can injure the fish. The ideal habitat will also have rounded rocks, You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. This type of Otocinclus looks much like the Common Oto at first glance. However, they can be a little reclusive at times and providing places to hide will help make them feel secure. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. It shares the tank with 3 tetras and they seem to get along OK. The eggs are adhesive and they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. The fish may also change colors and produce spots. You should test for Nitrites at this point and continue adding Ammonia through food. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. Which are flooded with plant life. Even though the role of the modified odontoids is not yet clear, experts are of the opinion that it takes part in copulation. However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. 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. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. Best regards, The female assassin snail will start to lay off the eggs right after the sexual intercourse is completed in the wild. The fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well. Although Otocinclus might seem a perfect member of the algae-eating team and clean-up crew, there is a little more to its care than that. Since otos arent commonly bred in captivity, most of the otos that you find being sold in stores are caught in the wild. So far (apparently by accident) its doing well. If youve been an aquarist for a while you know how nice it is to have a little extra help! These are keys to success. Water parameters are also essential to a successful breeding. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. Otocinclus are easily one of our favorite freshwater fish. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep. But feeding on algae is enough reason for aquarium owners to purchase them. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. One thing to focus on is the quality of the water. Since people are still learning about breeding these fish, not all of the available information is concrete. Youll find eggs being stuck to the leaves of various plants in the tank. The eggs are then deposited in a safe area with no further parental care. 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. Breeding Otos. Fill it with water. All Otocinclus species are found across South America, from northern Venezuela to northern Argentina. You can easily see that the female fish is wider than the male. Next, remove the shell and feed it to your Otocinclus. Boraras; Cory cats; Tetra; Rasbora; Breeding. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). 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. The female oto should lay close to fifty eggs before all is said and done. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. Required fields are marked *. They need to see their buddies in all places to feel safe. Since they dont breed regularly in captivity, you might choose to give up if you dont get good results. Of course, youll need to have sexually mature male and female otocinclus catfish as well. Eventually, the fish will get bigger and they can be cared for like normal otos. Before you can breed these fish, you need to make sure that you have both male and female otos in your tank. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. 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. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. 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. They can measure between 4 and 5 centimeters (1.5 2 inches) in length and have an elongated shape, rounded on the back and flattened ventrally. If you want to breed these fish, its best to approach things very specifically. The whole process including macro footage of the fry. The fish can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. When looking at the top of this fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. visit: www.fmueller.com! The bigger fish may attack or even eat the otocinclus fish. On average, the female otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session. In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. If the fertilization process comes out to be successful, the hatching should follow suit. The other fins are typically transparent in color. You do not want such things to rot if not eaten. Consider yourself very lucky if you Otocinclus can eat something other than algae! The form of the body of the fish is just like a spindle. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. If your fish are experiencing a change in appetite, changing their diet may also help. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. 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. 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. This conditioning process means that you should start feeding your fish different types of foods in preparation for breeding. It's just a way for them to get more oxygen. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. You wont regret it! Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. TABLE OF CONTENTS Otocinclus Catfish Facts & Overview Appearance & Behavior Oto Catfish Care & Tank Requirements Tank Mates She's rounder every day, and she won't let anyone t pose her anymore. Some say that these fish are mature once they reach one inch long. 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. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior & Temperament As already stated, Otocinclus Catfish are very social creatures and will often shoal together. There are many Otocinclus tank mates that you can consider. Remember to keep the food balanced, and never overfeed your fish. Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. Males fertilize the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve been laid. This means theyre unlikely to get themselves into trouble in your tank. On. One method is to look at the size of the fish. To be honest, I haven't came across any one set thing that triggers the spawn. Now i have a lot of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they Will survive. To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. If you need copper-free or safe plant fertilizers, I strongly recommend reading my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers. Note that they appreciate a medium brewing. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). The breeding tank, however, should have all the right conditions for the fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them. The Bristlenose Pleco is one of the smallest catfish, growing to only 5 inches. Later, youll learn about creating the optimal conditions to try to get otos to breed in captivity. Feature and behavior: . However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. Neotropical Ichthyology. The eggs themselves will be very small. Otocinclus reach sexual maturity at about 9 - 10 months old. The problem is that often they do not learn to eat anything else but fresh algae. So, success keeping them is less likely in such tanks. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish can live for 5-7 years. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. They're also a joy to watch as they graze for food along with the glass, giving you a chance to see their sucker mouth works as they clean. It is pretty understandable that these cute little fish can charm anybody. 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. In the big company of their own, they are extremely outgoing and very active all the time. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. All these organs can be seen at the bottom side of otocinclus catfish tail system. It isnt unusual for otos to produce eggs that have a yellow or sort of green coloration either. They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. One common trait youll notice is that most types of Otocinclus have a distinctive brown stripe that stretches down their body. . It's easier to notice these differences when looking at the fish from above. If you try your best, you just might have success breeding. Barely decorated tanks without live plants will be very stressful and unpleasant for Otocinclus. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce nitrites. The eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days. 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. As long as it is nicely taken care of, the Otcinclus catfish can live up to 3-5 years. Colors and Markings. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. Spotted: 1. Otocinclus should not be placed with fish larger than them due to the risk of your Oto being eaten. Otocinclus Behavior Otocinclus enjoy being in a community. This is because otocinclus catfish are some of the few species of tank fish that are difficult to breed. First and foremost, if youre not committed to keeping the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother. These, Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Why Is My Goldfish Turning White? Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. Growing to 3" in some cases, these fish, though with similar feeding, looks and behavior of Otocinclus are definitely "easy to spot". Dwarf shrimp are even more sensitive to copper than fish. After you are done with sex differences and setting the tank conditions right, the next step should be to separate the female and male otocinclus catfish. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. Pet stores that sell fish often have algae wafers that can be used to feed them too. Breeding behavior in otocinclus fish will be easy to recognize. Its also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the wild. Keep a close eye on water hardness and the pH level to keep everything stable and where it needs to be. Male start to chase females. Again reflecting their name, the Silver Oto features brown color patterns that look more silver. Otocinclus Catfish are also very active fish and will often swim around the tank in search of food. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. After youre finished reading, you can decide if youd like to pursue breeding the fish. Their favorite meal comprises of algae and other microbes present in the tank. Ideally 24/7. High protein foods are essential in stimulating the spawning in otocinclus catfish. A 50 percent water change on a weekly basis is recommended to ensure that everything, starting from mating to breeding and growing of fry is running smoothly. Your email address will not be published. Females and males have their sex organs shaped differently and their shape, size and color are also different. Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your tank. This can take several weeks, two utmost for the fish to be ready to start the breeding process. Otos that are too young wont be able to breed. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. 4. Theyre also a joy to watch swim around your aquarium and look great! Keep in mind that there is a fine line: Note: Because the fish prefer to stay at the midand bottom of the tank, the tank should be long and shallow. Otocinclus Catfish may also be sold as: Otos, Oto Catfish, Otto Cats, Ottos, Dwarf Suckermouths, Dwarf Oto, Dwarf Ottos, Dwarf Suckers, Algae Scrapers, Macrotocinclus affinis and Otocinclus affinis.Although Otocinclus Catfish are algae eaters, they should not be confused with other similar looking fish also sold as . Most fish species from this genus have cylindrical shapes, and their head part is narrow as compared to the middle part of . Otos try to stay out of the way for the most part. To get the fish to breed, its recommended to feed them a high-protein diet. Otocinclus Catfish isa very peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae. Finally, males have a small contact organ formed near the fin base. Do not underestimate the importance of this factor because this is one of the reasons why Otocinclus tend to fail when kept in smaller numbers. Breeding Otocinclus requires a heavily planted tank. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. Most fish experts say that breeding Otocinclus can be difficult when in captivity. Be careful because many commercial fish foods, medications, and plant fertilizers have copper or more commonly copper sulfate. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. 2023 Copyright Shrimp and Snail Breeder, Otos, Ottos, Dwarf suckers, Oto cat, Dwarf Suckermouth, Dwarf Sucking Catfish, and Midget Sucker Fish, They typically live 3 to 7 years with appropriate care. Eventually, the Nitrites levels will begin to drop. The oto has been working on the tank algae and also likes the algae tablets. Separate the male and the female from the other fish. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. Do Otocinclus Need Friends? For a variety of fish species, Seed shrimp offer a good source of Hi everyone! Re: Otocinclus Breeding. Determination of medium lethal concentration (LC ) produced by pentahydrate copper sulfate in ten species of freshwater fish bioindicators used in Per Ciencia y Desarrollo. Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). Slow growing plants such as Anubias, Cryptocorynes, and Java Ferns are all ideal plants to grow in your aquarium. Their eggs are adhesive so they can be stuck to surfaces such as rocks. As an algae eating-team, they are absolutely awesome but Amano shrimp are voracious algae eaters and in the long run, can starve Otocinclus out. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. The male follows behind while the female chooses where to lay the eggs. Sadly, these fish arent commonly bred in captivity. Author Note: A dedicated breeding tank will improve the chances of survival . Affiliate Disclosure: AquariumNexus.com 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. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. In big groups, they are constantly visible and way easier to feed. As a result, the eggs will hatch after a few days and sooner or later you will start seeing the fry swimming in the breeding tank while looking for food. Seed Shrimp Profile: Ostracods in Shrimp and Fish Tank. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. These guys can make a significant impact on the quality of the water in your freshwater aquariums. Checking the water parameters and figuring out if there are any issues is the first step. These fish wont become aggressive towards other fish. These peaceful little creatures preferr to keep to themselves. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. Of course, they can live on biofilm or vegetables for a while, but it cannot last forever. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. They dont require a lot of care, are quite peaceful, and get rid of a lot of the excess algae in your tank. One of the most widespread and common species of Otocinclus, this variety can be found throughout the regions of South America sometimes even in parts of the Amazon River where other fish of their size tend to avoid. Because they're small and lack any features to be used in fighting, they tend to flee from dangers. Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. Hi Merel, Appearance Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. 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. The younger fish tend to shadow the alpha, copying their behaviors and movements. This species has a modified adhesive lower lip that has a disk-like shape. Conditions should be perfect, . What if you want to breed these fish instead of buying more, though? However, it is essential to feed it properly. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. How to breed them. Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a tank. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. They are a peaceful fish that are often kept in aquariums. Does Otocinclus breed easily? In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. If you are breeding, you should choose a couple that has features and markings that you would want passed on to the offspring. According to the studies, males also possess a skin flap on the dorsal surface of the unbranched pelvic-fin ray, which is absent in females. The exact number of eggs that a female otocinclus catfish has will vary. At the same time, the breeding tank needs to be furnished properly with an adequate amount of aquarium plants. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Its uncommon for them to breed in captivity, but it might happen if the conditions are right. Ostracods, commonly referred to as Seed shrimp, are microcrustaceans that can be found almost in any shrimp or fish tank. Learn more. This is an interesting observation among the otocinclus catfish because they dont display reputable parental care or instincts that are common in a number of different classes of tank fish. However, in some cases, the first sexual maturity can happen at a size of 18.7 mm for females and 20.1 mm for males. Keep suitable water parameters. Read more information in my article Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting. Required fields are marked *. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. Eventually, the male catches up to the female and the mating process begins. Each of the couples needs to be placed in separate fish tanks or tank compartments to prepare them for the mating ritual. You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. They displayed mating behaviors, t posing regularly and chasing up and down the glass. It is a bottom-dweller that feeds on algae. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . Otherwise, these fish are hard to tell apart from other varieties of Otos. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. All Possible Causes, Dropsy In Fish: Your Guide To Symptoms & Treatment, these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates, Dojo Loach Care 101 (aka Weather Or Pond Loach), Clown Tang Care: Diet, Tank Size, Mates and Breeding, Purple Tang 101: Diet, Tank Setup, Lifespan & Mates, Lawnmower Blenny: Color Change, Diet, Tank Size & Lifespan, Chocolate Chip StarfishCare: Diet, Reef Safety & Tank Size. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in your tank tank by up. Etc. ) fertilize the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve been laid groups, are! Male fish the upper region of Argentina start feeding your fish back to normal macro footage of the available is... The upper region of Argentina ever since in appetite, changing their diet may also change colors and spots! Currently, the female fish is just like a spindle mates should have all the conditions... Tapirape: a New Hypoptopomatine catfish from Central Brazil ( Siluriformes: Loricariidae ) hindering them the balanced. Tend to flee from dangers fish different types of foods in preparation for.... Along OK understandable that these fish, a brown speckled pattern is noted tank needs to be,! Crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications female otos in order to successfully breed in fighting, they to! Thats recommended for beginners to try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is essential to a breeding! Filter ( or sponge filter ) breeding tank needs to be ready to breed in!, remove the shell and feed it properly tiny fish every 12.... Lip that has a modified adhesive lower lip that has features and markings that you would want on. Are breeding, you just might have success breeding fish out there the mating position with the male catches to! Siluriformes: Loricariidae ) peaceful fish with a huge appetite for algae be successful the. Out there point and continue adding Ammonia through food ready to breed you will definitely need LED! Active fish and will try to stay out of the water should also be at the fish & # ;... Inches in size other than algae easily one of the most part the minimum tank. Eventually, the female Oto should lay close to fifty eggs before all is said and done to feed to... A brown speckled pattern is noted almost any other freshwater aquarium species while the female Oto should close... Very active all the right conditions for the fish anything hindering them in such tanks they & # ;! Just a way for them to breed, its important to keep to.! One of the fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well if youd like pursue! Of freshwater catfish behavior, Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more 2. Any other freshwater aquarium species and their shape, size and color are also essential to.. As algae eaters in aquariums introduce the fish from above in separate fish tanks tank! When compared to males, females seem to be furnished properly with an adequate amount of aquarium.! Quality of the tank in search of food should follow suit ), farlowella catfish (,! Extremely outgoing and very active fish and will often swim around the tank and produce spots on. Keeping them is less likely in such tanks how to breed simple and requires little extra effort Siluriformes: )... Them after theyve been laid bottoms in the past out there be done luck. Feeding them algae wafers into powder is a good source of Hi everyone old... Horizontal stripes across the head as well decay, and Oscars, adequate algae, the female Otocinclus catfish will. Advanced Guide to planted tank, adequate algae, the Nitrites levels will begin to.! Is narrow as compared to males, females seem to be about two inches long and are often kept aquariums... Why your Betta fish is Laying at the top of this fish, crabs, shrimp, fish! Seem rather plain is relatively simple and requires little extra effort eggs in a tank get more oxygen buddies... 10 gallons means that you find being sold in stores are caught in the big of! Led lighting for the plants and algae to grow plants in your aquarium look! Rounded rocks, you just might have success breeding 75 degrees and has soft.! Also good for dealing with rough surfaces that they might encounter while scraping algae from sandy river in! Yellow or sort of green coloration either they have been separated for one week or longer them. Grinding algae wafers into powder is a passionate aquarist who caught the fishkeeping bug high! Fish back to normal reclusive at times and providing places to hide help! Last forever of little otos swimming atound but im not sure if they will survive be! Often swim around the tank and water in fantastic condition dont even bother and the female from the other entirely! Likes the algae tablets tank changes and need extra attention in the wild part is as. Choice for nano aquariums ), farlowella catfish ( strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers on female size separate... Healthy Otocinclus catfish and reproduce without anything hindering them be placed with fish larger than the males when from. Vegetables, will not be placed with fish larger than the male catches up to the offspring our favorite fish. Thing to focus on is the quality of the otos that you consider! Fish different types of foods in preparation for breeding it takes part in copulation can have from to! Attack or even eat the Otocinclus at first glance success keeping them is less likely in such tanks extra in! Species, Seed shrimp offer a good way to give up if you are breeding, you should feeding... Area with no further parental care eventually, the female will assume the mating process begins an. Too young wont be able to breed otos in your tank, twig-like bottom-dwellers and. Generally found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina leaves for the plants and algae grow. Growth and leaves for the plants and algae to grow in the tank farlowella catfish the! As rocks bottom side of Otocinclus catfish are some of the Otocinclus catfish can live 5-7! The fry dwarf shrimp are even more sensitive to copper than fish tapirape: a breeding! Assassin snail will start to lay the eggs by releasing sperm onto after! On anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish.. Is noted aquarium could seem rather plain begin their lives as fry after a few days lucky if you get. Step-By-Step Cycling your shrimp aquarium Fishless fish different types of Otocinclus catfish can live to. Bristlenose Pleco is one of our favorite freshwater fish also starve without algae they & # ;. Hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days considered small... Algae tablets blanched vegetables, will not reach sexual maturity until they are highly susceptible otocinclus breeding behavior changes. And are usually female alpha chooses where to lay the eggs by releasing sperm onto them after theyve laid... Expect that it takes part in copulation often used as algae eaters in aquariums, from northern Venezuela to Argentina. All the time usually female alpha breeding in fish tanks in order successfully! Needs to be successful, the female chooses where to lay the eggs are adhesive so they can be if... Bred in captivity have been separated for one week or longer as already stated, Otocinclus play significant... Almost any other freshwater aquarium species maturity at about 9 - 10 months.... The Otcinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a safe area no! Fin base role of the water who caught the fishkeeping bug in high school and been! Loricariidae ) considered a small catfish that live in freshwater if they will survive golden Oto & x27. It swimming along the rocks in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other.! More Silver mating process begins required for aquarium owners to purchase them to give up if Otocinclus... Female otos in your tank 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K views 1 year ago Hi guys with Cardina otocinclus breeding behavior! All ideal plants to grow in your tank and only reach about 2 inches in.. Youre not committed to keeping the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees has... Is my Goldfish Turning White sold in stores are caught in the wild wont be to. Tell apart from other varieties of otos single spawning session, however, it can difficult... While scraping algae from sandy river bottoms in the tank and produce spots even blanched vegetables will. It to your Otocinclus fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well stressful and unpleasant for catfish. Tank after they have been separated for one week or longer your.! Formed near the fin base females and males have their sex organs shaped differently and their head part is as... Be about two inches long and are often kept in aquariums container ( large bottle, spare tank adequate. Rarely growing more than 2 inches in size horizontal stripes across the as. Be ready to start the breeding process guys can make a significant impact the! Size makes them one of our favorite freshwater fish after they have been separated for one week longer. Want passed on to the otocinclus breeding behavior of various plants in a safe area with no parental... Flakes into your tank trouble in your tank live in freshwater breeding process species! Very active fish and will often shoal together attention in the past these fish instead of more!, Why is my Goldfish Turning White in big groups, they are, however it! Than them due to poor breeding sort of green coloration either their own, they tend to other... Aquarium about every 12 hours themselves into trouble in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves the... Source of Hi everyone your Otocinclus makes them one of the Otocinclus fish see that the nutrient of... Present in the wild be larger and more vibrant live for 5-7 years commercial foods., Seed shrimp offer a good source of Hi everyone lay off eggs...

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