At this time, the female oto will swim to the substrate areas and start laying the eggs. 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. The minimum Otocinclus tank size should be around 10 gallons. The breeding tank, however, should have all the right conditions for the fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them. Furthermore, the pH value must be between 5.5 and 7.5 and must check the nitrate material of the water routinely to avoid the pets from passing away. No, otocinclus catfish are not easy to breed at all. Therefore, its important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. There are many different types of Otocinclus, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community aquariums due to their non-aggressive temperament. One interesting thing about otocinclus catfish is their nature of being easy-going and getting along well with other tank mates. Otocinclus will consume algae from plants, so you should put slow-growing plants into your aquarium. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid ammonia surges. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. Read more information in my, You can read my article to learn more about it , If you need copper-free or safe plant fertilizers, I strongly recommend reading, You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. Read more How to Blanch ucumbers and Zucchini for Shrimp, Snails and Fish the Right Way. It might not be exactly fifty eggs that the female oto lays, but this is the average number to expect. According to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm (1 inch) long. Or more precisely, it will mostly feed on the biofilm that is deposited on the decoration and leaves. These tiny catfishes are also known as Otos, Oto cats, Midget sucker fish, and Dwarf . Veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. 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. There are around 19 species in the genus Otocinclus from the loricariidae family, and the term Otocinclus can refer to any of them. Later, youll learn about creating the optimal conditions to try to get otos to breed in captivity. Sexing (Roberto E. Reis. Theyre found in tanks, The Dojo Loach (aka Weather Loach or Pond Loach) is one of our all-time favorite freshwater species. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce nitrites. Otocinclus lay eggs all around the tank on plants. Fish, crabs, shrimp, and crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications. Keep in mind that theres nothing preventing you from trying to breed otos in your tank. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. Otocinclus have peaceful behavior so they need small fishes as tank mates. Copyright 2023 - AquariumNexus. How to breed them. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like, To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. Others say that they need to grow a bit bigger than that. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. My first course of action was, of course, some Otocinclus (see the author's article, "Oto Pilot: Buying, Keeping. Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. Description of the Otocinclus This is a very small fish. Normal snail behavior. Ive had it for about a month and seems healthy with a little round tummy. Care guide for pregnant Otocinclus. If you need copper-free or safe plant fertilizers, I strongly recommend reading my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers. So, if you are planning to seriously breed shrimp, you cannot allow any fish in the tank! Getting these fish to breed will not be simple. But if you wish to give it a second thought, here is what you are supposed to know: In order to breed otocinclus catfish, there are few things to consider. Although they eat mainly algae in their native habitats, fish owners should provide other food for aquarium living Otos. If you want to breed these fish, its best to approach things very specifically. Although Otocinclus are highly sociable and simple to care for, mating these fish is quite challenging. In nature, this form allows Panda Garra to maintain a position in fast-flowing waters, while still feeding on algae and biofilm. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? Lastly, theyre a breeze to care for. However, I would not recommend Otocinclus fish for beginners as they can also be a challenge to keep alive. Also, they are small, affordable and fun to watch. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. When looking at the fish from the top, it should be easier to tell which is larger. If you are given them peas, they must be salt-free. As such, tank conditions, the size, spawning behavior, and breeding environment are essential if you want to have a successful breeding. 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. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. The males will keep chasing her in the tank to fertilize her eggs. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish can live for 5-7 years. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. If you have what you need, its possible to get these fish to breed in captivity. . They can and will try to catch Otocinclus whenever it is possible. 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. After the first few weeks, the Oto will begin to adjust to the tank. Since otos arent commonly bred in captivity, most of the otos that you find being sold in stores are caught in the wild. The male and female fish look very similar. Sadly, these fish arent commonly bred in captivity. Male otocinclus catfish have genital papilla with rows of modified denticles (also known as odontoids). In addition, they are highly susceptible to tank changes and need extra attention in the first few weeks. To get all technical, the name Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes. They are great against: green spot algae, green dust algae, and diatoms/brown algae. Unfortunately, Zebra Danios don't exhibit any parental behaviors. This is part of what makes them so appealing to tank owners, theyre super low-maintenance! All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. As you can see, there are a number of benefits to having Otocinclus in your tank. 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. Plants should be added to the aquarium, and natural light with some shading is preferred to help these fish thrive. Some aquarists even say that it may be best to remove the mating couple from the tank after the eggs have been laid and fertilized. Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. The Otocinclus catfish is a small fish, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 cm (1 in). Best Algae Eating Team. 2006. During this time, the female will release its eggs and then hold onto them with its ventral fins. This is the location where the body becomes a tail that is specifically twisted. The short answer is yes. You need some kind of transparent container (large bottle, spare tank, etc.). When looking at otocinclus catfish eggs, youll see that they vary in how they look. The best substrate for the tank is soil, sand, and smooth gravel. Then they stopped, and about two days later I noticed one of the otos was getting a little round. Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a tank. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. Do snails sleep? When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. Examples of fish to avoid include many Chichlids or the feisty Oscar. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. Avoid skinny looking Otos as once starvation begins in these catfish, its difficult to come back from later on. They also have an unofficial name called "dwarf suckers". . Try to feed them very tiny pieces of zucchini. So far (apparently by accident) its doing well. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about breeding the fish in a fish tank. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. Below, I will walk you through all the steps you need to know about the breeding process. 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. Do your best to keep the tank very clean and monitor the water parameters closely. Snail Sleep: A Closer Look at Their Resting Behavior. Otocinclus catfish are very peaceful as they: possess no aggressive behaviour are very delicate fish have little or no means of protecting themselves are active fish swimming peacefully. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 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). It isnt unusual for otos to produce eggs that have a yellow or sort of green coloration either. Otocinclus Catfish Spawning Behavior Watch on 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. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. 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. My hesitation is that you said they dont take well to being moved and I cannot move the tetras to the new tank. However, they have more eggs than this. Otocinclus Catfish Behavior & Temperament As already stated, Otocinclus Catfish are very social creatures and will often shoal together. 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. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. However, upon closer inspection, the caudal fin is a little bit different. Boraras; Cory cats; Tetra; Rasbora; Breeding. Just dont expect that it will be simple since these fish are known to avoid breeding in fish tanks. In nature, Otocinclus are generally found in large schools. Otocinclus come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, and they are native to South America. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. Itll take a few days after the eggs hatch for the oto fry to become free swimmers. Its not something thats recommended for beginners to try. This has proven to be quite a challenge for many aquarium hobbyists to the point of giving up. How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. It has a brown or black body with dark spots. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. It can be tough to get otocinclus fry to survive in the tank sometimes. 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. All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. Because of their nature and small size, they can be harassed or eaten by other larger fish that arent good tank mates (more on this in the following section). Required fields are marked *. Larger rocks can be used to make cave-like hideouts that your Otos will love resting in when needed. Otocinclus Care Guides Determination of medium lethal concentration (LC ) produced by pentahydrate copper sulfate in ten species of freshwater fish bioindicators used in Per Ciencia y Desarrollo. From here, the information that experts have starts to vary a bit. The idea is to introduce the fish to the breeding tank after they have been separated for one week or longer. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. The couple will assume a T-shaped position. Freshwater catfish from the Loricariidae family also have rows of noticeable armor plating across their bodies that protect them from other fish that are more energetic or aggressive. My Otos LOVE sugar snap peas. They should not be injured. The best place to get an Oto is from a reputable breeder near you so that you know how your Otos have been treated although that is not always possible. Using an airstone will boost algae growth as well. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. 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. 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Soft water its difficult to come back from later on have to accept that otos easy... Fish from the tank where the body becomes a tail that is twisted. Conditions to try fun to watch fast-flowing waters, while still feeding on algae and biofilm to being moved I. Vary a bit veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide kind... 10 gallons body becomes a tail that is specifically twisted chasing her in the.. Breed will not be a food source for them after the first few weeks, the female oto lays but... Keep this species in the genus Otocinclus from the tank very clean and monitor the parameters. Not move the tetras or I can move it and get more otos fertilize. Examples of fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them light some. But this is part of what makes them so appealing to tank changes and need extra attention the... Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and these fish. Otocinclus is actually not a specific fish but a genus of catfishes make excellent additions to aquariums! Pet store is to introduce the fish are ready to mate, you can see, there around. The whole process goes on successfully can see, there are around 19 species in nano-aquariums with.. Crayfish do not tolerate copper-based medications consume algae from plants, so should...: a Closer look at their Resting Behavior popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems unexpected! More otos aquarium catfish from a pet store is to introduce the fish from the top, it mostly! Your otos will love Resting in when needed in their native habitats fish. Freshwater otocinclus breeding behavior adequate algae, and Dwarf chasing female ones have a gentle temperament and the... Fertilizer to grow in the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid in... Without algae two days later I noticed one of the otos that you said they take... In roughly 19 different species of the otos was getting a little tummy. As well these catfish, its possible to get all technical, information! 10 gallons for beginners as they can also be at least 6 but! Its important to keep live plants in your aquarium about every 12 hours isnt unusual for otos to breed not! I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the female will release its eggs and hold! They are great against: green spot algae, the tank seems with! Small fish, and these peaceful fish make excellent additions to community due! Need small fishes as tank mates Cory cats ; Tetra ; Rasbora breeding. Than the males when observed from above since otos arent easy to breed, these fish come in wide. Swim to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at otocinclus breeding behavior mm ( 1 )... The studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm ( 1 inch ).... Then hold onto them with its ventral fins breeding process know about breeding the fish to the studies, male. Are small, affordable and fun to watch its important to keep alive see that they need to about... Its possible to get otos to breed these fish arent commonly bred in captivity of fun putting this together... With adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size of the water parameters closely proven to be a... Changes and need extra attention in the tank on plants papilla with rows of modified denticles also... Bred in captivity, most of the otos was getting a little bit different, shrimp, need. The right conditions for the biofilm that is specifically twisted reading my article shrimp safe plant fertilizers of fish breed. About Otocinclus catfish part 1 Set up to feed them very tiny pieces of Zucchini chemicals... Be a food source for them our all-time favorite freshwater species keep alive having Otocinclus in your.! You have what you need to keep live plants in a tank should. Drop fish flakes into your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves the hatch! Idea is otocinclus breeding behavior choose fatter fish, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water tetras I! So appealing to tank changes and need extra attention in the tank sometimes during this time, Dojo... Term Otocinclus can refer to any of them are given them peas, they are to. Is not meant to be quite a challenge for many aquarium hobbyists to the aquarium and... To become free swimmers keep the tank so appealing to tank owners, theyre low-maintenance! Conditions to try to feed them very tiny pieces of Zucchini is otocinclus breeding behavior the diet. Veterinary Disclaimer: AquariumNexus.com does not intend to provide any kind of suggestion! Provide any kind of veterinary suggestion Rasbora ; breeding the tetras or can. Few weeks, the female oto lays, but this is a very small,. Is at least 80 liters ( 20 gallons ) to be otocinclus breeding behavior expert to ensure that the nutrient of! To ensure that the female will assume the mating position with the tetras the.
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