This means they should be kept in groups of at least 5 fish. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Otocinclus are compatible with any freshwater snail. For example, break one wafer into several pieces and leave them in their favorite places overnight. Preferably, the water should be slow-moving with high oxygen levels. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. One interesting thing about otocinclus catfish is their nature of being easy-going and getting along well with other tank mates. Some people call these docile fish dwarf suckers or otos as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. Copeia 2002(4):1063-1069. Otocinclus Catfish acts as a placing instance of an aquarium cleaner. In big groups, they are constantly visible and way easier to feed. 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. Your mating tank should be at least 80 liters (20 gallons) to be able to hold all the soon-to-be-born fry. As for now, theres only anecdotal information to go on. There are many Otocinclus tank mates that you can consider. Also, you can easily distinguish them by just at their sex organs. Choose the right mating pair (Step -1) Preparing the tank (Step-2) This is because otocinclus catfish are some of the few species of tank fish that are difficult to breed. During this time, the female will release its eggs and then hold onto them with its ventral fins. Hai, Some of the popular fish as tank mates. Like any animal, poor care and living in a stressful environment can significantly impact their life expectancy. The breeding tank, however, should have all the right conditions for the fish to mate and reproduce without anything hindering them. Absolutely not! Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. This goes against the common assumption that all catfish gravitate toward large rivers and bodies of water. When it comes to their behavior, Otocinclus Fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather plain. It has a brown or black body with dark spots. They have the ability to swallow some atmospheric air into their gut, which then travels through their intestines where blood vessels nearby can extract oxygen. All these organs can be seen at the bottom side of otocinclus catfish tail system. Even if it is an amazing Otocinclus. Im Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. 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 . Since people are still learning about breeding these fish, not all of the available information is concrete. There isnt a lot of information out there about breeding otocinclus catfish right now. Even though they do have some protection on their bellies, you shouldnt rely on it. Otocinclus catfish are known to exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. One of the most original morphological characteristics is the presence of a suction cup in the mouth, which serves them both to feed, and to fixate on rocks or plants. 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. During the mating ritual, the female will run from the male all around the tank. Look out for Otocinclus catfish (the best choice for nano aquariums), farlowella catfish (strange, twig-like bottom-dwellers . This behavior should trigger you to check all tank conditions and correct those that are not favorable for the survival of your otocinclus catfish. There are things that you can do to encourage the fish to breed, though. Otocinclus Size Guide (How Big Do Otos Get?). Once you see that rocks are turning green, take a few a place them in the tank to feed. Otos are considered herbivores, which means that they are vegetarians. This cichlid grows a bit over 3 inches (8.1 cm) in size within the wild, however, can develop bigger within the aquarium, as much as a size of virtually 4 (10 cm). Use the water that comes from water changes. Its uncommon for them to breed in captivity, but it might happen if the conditions are right. Choose right tankmates. This area should also be taller if the fish is indeed a female. Nerite snails have absolutely the same diet as Otocinclus and will also starve without algae. 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. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid. The eggs are laid in small batches of three to six. Second, these fish have a unique protective behavior. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. In the wild, these fish travel and live in schools which helps them stay safe as well. Otocinclus are very sensitive to copper. The fish may also change colors and produce spots. This is very useful in their natural habitat of rivers with currents. You should look for Otos that are olive-brown, black and white. This involves feeding them algae rounds, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Otocinclus is a popular aquarium catfish which often feeds on algae. When placed in the same tank with Cardina japonica shrimp, otocinclus play a significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy. While breeding, both male and female otocinclus will assume a T-shaped position to indicate mating. Running water is actually an. How To Breed Otocinclus Catfish Part 1 Set Up. Most varieties of Otocinclus are small with adults rarely growing more than 2 inches in size. The Otocinclus Catfish are small and only reach about 2 inches in size. Use this method to ensure that you buy both males and females from the aquarium store. Conditions should be perfect, . Otocinclus catfish are a lot of fun to own. They do not have any interest in eating shrimp, they will never attack or harass even baby shrimp. Personally, I would recommend a Matten filter (or sponge filter). You do not want such things to rot if not eaten. It is a very interesting fact but in natural habitats, Otocinclus are often found alongside Corydoras and they mimic Corydoras to avoid predators because Corydoras have sharp and typically venomous spines. Avoid high water flow. Keep these levels steady to maintain a healthy living environment for your fish. This mating ritual does not stop there but continues for some time until the female lays all her eggs. When the fish are ready to mate, you might notice male Otos chasing female ones. Aquariumbreeder.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, chewy.com, and and other Affiliate programs. Some people call these docile fish "dwarf suckers" or "otos" as appropriate nicknames for these fish and their outstanding algae eating abilities. Copyright 2023 - AquariumNexus. The size of his body is 5-5.5 cm. Daphnia, algae wafers, and brine shrimp are all excellent food choices when you wish to breed your Otocinclus. Their eyes are Lateral and pushed more forward on the head. For them, diminished numbers is a certain sign of danger, so they hide. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Many more popular species are vulnerable to numerous genetic problems and unexpected deaths due to poor breeding. You can use soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels. Otocinclus Care Guides DOI: 10.1590/S1679-62252006000400001, Otocinclus cocama, a new uniquely colored loricariid catfish from Peru (Teleostei: Siluriformes), with comments on the impact of taxonomic revisions to the discovery of new taxa. Typically, a female oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds. 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. Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. They dont do anything special to protect the eggs. 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. Otocinclus are not easy to breed in captivity, so you will need to . When it comes to breeding them, you need to be an expert to ensure that the whole process goes on successfully. They breed in a similar fashion to corydoras. 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. 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. In their native South American habitats, these fish often attach themselves to rocks, gravel and other river bottom surfaces that contain algae growth. Some of them will if you try your best and give them enough opportunities to eat. Once the eggs have been laid, the male otocinclus goes ahead to fertilize them by releasing the sperm onto the laid eggs. . The head is slightly flattened, with the eyes on either side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision. Twitter: https://twitter.com/finsandwhiskers Instagram: https://www.instagram.c. You must isolate the Otos in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank. Some of the most common types of freshwater Otocinclus include: Lets take a closer look at each of them. Others will not reach sexual maturity until they are one year old. Otocinclus is a social fish. Thread starter James0816; Start date Aug 31, 2007; . 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. Keep them away from all types of, Another great question to ask your pet store is. Therefore, its important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. Just make sure you have enough algae for everyone! Otocinclus Temperature. You should avoid pairing these peace-loving fish with fish that are known to be aggressive in nature. Be careful because many commercial fish foods, medications, and plant fertilizers have copper or more commonly copper sulfate. Theyre also very docile and get along with almost any other freshwater aquarium species. However, the female fish will be a little bit larger and they will have heavier bodies. They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. Once the eggs have been laid, the otos will go back to their usual routine without worrying about the eggs. Given that otocinclus catfish do not mate that easily, you will have to keep a close eye on their ability to display courting behavior before taking further steps. Although Otos prefer oxygenated water, no special air pumps are required for aquarium life. The problem is that often they do not learn to eat anything else but fresh algae. Otocinclus pre-spawning behavior? These fish are vertebrates, meaning that their body structure is made up of a row of bones. These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. Others say that they need to grow a bit bigger than that. . They prefer soft, slightly acidic water with no ammonia and nitrites, and with nitrates as low as possible, with some movements of water, high oxygenation and some algae constantly available on plants, driftwood, glass, and decorations. How to breed them. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Otocinclus care and any additional information that will be helpful if youre an owner. Any leftover food not eaten in 24 hours should be removed from the aquarium. These fish have a complex hierarchy and are usually female alpha. Keep in mind that the tank environment needs to be conducive for the survival of the otocinclus fry. Although Otocinclus are highly sociable and simple to care for, mating these fish is quite challenging. Either way, the eggs will be laid in various spots throughout the tank. If youre lucky, youll see eggs on the plants or rocks in the tank before too long. So-so against hair algae. As we mentioned in the tank requirements section, its important for owners to provide hiding places in the aquarium so the smaller Otos have a refuge when disturbed by others. Breeding Behaviors & Care Guides Care For Otocinclus Fry The fry mainly lives in biofilms. The fish also has horizontal stripes across the head as well. Otocinclus breed by the male interlocking with and fertilizing the female's eggs. If the fertilization process comes out to be successful, the hatching should follow suit. The male oto must fertilize the eggs so they can become viable. Spirulina powder and algae should be their food. The female will lay her eggs in the tank and the male will fertilize them. They might not eat this at first, but they should learn to take it as time passes. The best way to keep Otocinclus healthy is to keep stress levels and injuries to a minimum. On the other hand, good tank mate choices include: Additionally, fish owners can add invertebrates like certain freshwater aquarium snails and shrimps to aquariums containing Otocinclus. Otocinclus will consume algae from plants, so you should put slow-growing plants into your aquarium. Fish owners can also make their own vegetarian fish foods if they choose. Theyre interesting fish to look at and theyre helpful fish to keep in your tank. 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. Use our fish community creator tool to plan your tank set up and ensure that the Otocinclus is the right fish for . Otos try to stay out of the way for the most part. At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. Its crucial for them to eat frequently, so food needs to be available almost all the time. Behavior of Otocinclus. Not to mention, the pet store may not have been feeding the Oto the correct foods. The fish also create high interaction with other fish in the tank, provided they are compatible. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. 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. Otocinclus species have very small dentition meaning that they are not physically capable of damaging the vast majority of plants. Therefore, you should also be sure to feed them algae wafers or catfish pellets. However, what is even more important , Otocinclus male. The fish can grow to about 5 centimeters and they have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. Otocinclus catfish have been bred in tanks. They dont have a reputation for being attentive parent fish. Place a variety of decorative items throughout the tank to also serve as refuges for these fish whenever they become tired or stressed. Sad fact: Do you know that almost all Otocinclus are wild-caught? Home Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity?). The temperature of the water must be 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, the value of KH must be 3 to 16, and the value of GH must range between 2 to 18. Otocinclus are often just really shy fish. Even so, its something that can be done with the right approach. On average, the female otocinclus catfish can lay about 50 eggs in a single spawning session. As with Corydoras catfish, Otos appear to use a "T-position" when breeding. The otocinclus fish has a fusiform body, flattened on the ventral part. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce. A trick before purchasing these small aquarium catfish from a pet store is to choose fatter fish. This size makes them one of the most popular freshwater nano fish out there. They know how to breed fish and they have the right tank setups to encourage breeding. 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. Examples of foods that contain high proteins include live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and also algae wafers. Set up the breeding tank using the recommended methods above. Description of the Otocinclus This is a very small fish. Nine Corydoras ambiacus later, things were taking shape. Author Note: A dedicated breeding tank will improve the chances of survival . 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. You might want to get some more otos for your tank sometime soon. If you are lucky enough to witness this mating ritual, you will definitely see the female otocinclus swimming up and down rocks, tank plants, or the sides of the aquarium with their male partners in hot pursuit (literary). 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. Also, you need to keep in mind that the nutrient content of vegetables is not the same as the algae. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out here for more pictures. There is some controversy about whether the fish will eat their own eggs. When a female is ready to breed you will see it swimming along the rocks in the tank. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. A slight rise in the tank waters temperature can help to signal the other fish that mating is desirable. Sexual dimorphism among males and females is imperceptible, although in some cases the male is slender. The moment you finish choosing the suitable mating pairs, the next form of action will be to have them conditioned. Behavior & Temperament. Normal snail behavior. It will lay the eggs in small groups of three to six. Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. Since these stripes are not all perfectly straight, some people call this Otocinclus type Tiger Otos for short. Sexing (Roberto E. Reis. Unless you have a huge tank, algae build up in a stable aquarium usually wont be enough to completely sustain 6 or more Otocinclus. Lastly, theyre a breeze to care for. Otocinclus habitat. When looking at otocinclus catfish eggs, youll see that they vary in how they look. Color can also be a good sign of a healthy Oto. Currently, there are 19 known different species within this genus. It can be frustrating trying to feed these fish and keep them healthy. Then start testing for Nitrates. First, keyhole cichlids form monogamous breeding pairs. Although experts say that breeding Otocinclus Catfish can be difficult in aquariums, it isn't entirely impossible. Some tank mates to avoid are Cichlids, Goldfish, Jack Dempsey, and Oscars. Female Otocinclus are wider and larger than the males when observed from above. All frozen foods or vegetables remaining after feedings should be removed from the tank within 6 to 8 hours to avoid ammonia surges. Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. You will also notice that it is easy for larger fishes to eat these fishes because of their peaceful behavior. Keep suitable water parameters. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. This might be disheartening to hear if you really want to breed these fish. They spawn relatively frequently and can produce upwards of 400 eggs at a time! You might not even notice where all the eggs are located unless you take the time to look carefully. The recommended care for Otocinclus catfish is relatively simple and requires little extra effort. Otocinclus are considered a small catfish that live in freshwater. Its common for the eggs to be stuck to live plants as well as rocks. It shares the tank with 3 tetras and they seem to get along OK. They tend to graze on algae and often stay in groups to better protect themselves from larger fish. Breeding Otos. Naturally, the Otocinclus will feed on algae and small organisms contained in your aquarium. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. The eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days. You need to provide the fish with a high-protein diet to encourage them to breed. The next day, Ill find a beautiful white veiny skeleton of a peapod with all the green goodness sucked out of it. Novices who arent used to breeding fish might not get the best results. Within three to four months, the babies will be fully matured since they grow rapidly. 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. 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. Larger rocks can be used to make cave-like hideouts that your Otos will love resting in when needed. If the tank is too small for them, they will eat algae very fast and can starve. There are a few described methods for successfully breeding these freshwater fish, though most of it comes down to creating ideal environmental conditions and providing a high-quality diet. Otocinclus reach sexual maturity at about 9 - 10 months old. When compared to males, females seem to be larger and more vibrant. . These fish come in roughly 19 different species of the Loricarlidae family. They try, and she whips at them and then swims away. A couple of tank mates that people like to pair with Otos are Amano or Cherry shrimp. They might also be closer to a cream color. Otocinclus tend to travel in schools, and its best to have several of these fish together when setting up an aquarium environment. So, if you are not sure what species you have check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. Breeding otocinclus in aquaria is still in its early days, and it would be a great thing to achieve in your tank. One common trait youll notice is that most types of Otocinclus have a distinctive brown stripe that stretches down their body. They are, however, a little bit tricky to keep. Anything over pH 6.8 will eliminate any possibility of the Otocinclus breeding in your tank. My hesitation is that you said they dont take well to being moved and I cannot move the tetras to the new tank. Ammonia levels should be kept at least 3ppm for a week. The male will continue to chase the female for some time. Home Otocinclus Catfish Otocinclus Catfish Breeding Guide. Otocinclus Tropical Fish Learn all about the Otocinclus's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Michael, Your email address will not be published. Be sure to make regular water changes and stabilise the settings. When the breeding process begins, the female will assume the mating position with the male fish. Itll then release its eggs and hold onto them using its ventral fins. you might ad some more in the hope of getting a pair. When Ammonia and Nitrite levels go back to 0, your cycle is complete. They displayed mating behaviors, t posing regularly and chasing up and down the glass. The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the survival rate of baby shrimp. To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. Otocinclus Breeding Guide (Will They Breed in Captivity? If you want to breed these fish, its best to approach things very specifically. Youll see the fish enter a T-shaped position that signifies that they are mating. It is pretty understandable that these cute little fish can charm anybody. She's rounder every day, and she won't let anyone t pose her anymore. In general, these fish spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank since this is where the algae tends to be. 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. Golden Oto (Otocinclus Affinis) Golden Oto's are an average sized species of the Otocinclus breed. Checking the water parameters and figuring out if there are any issues is the first step. Otocinclus can be fantastic additions to almost any type of freshwater aquarium, and even beginner aquarium enthusiasts should be able to handle the simple care that these easy-going fish require. On this blog, I share all the things I learn about shrimp breeding as I go. Otocinclus catfish behavior. The female rushes around pursued by her male and lays groups of 3-6 eggs on plant leaves, bogwood, or even the aquarium glass. These little guys should have nice round bellies but not too big that it looks like it is going pop. It is possible to breed otos, but its not common for these fish to breed in captivity. Its simply based on anecdotal evidence from people who have bred otos in their fish tanks in the past. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Be careful with chemicals likecopper (read more). Theres a good chance that you have at least one male and one female, but you might not be able to tell the fish apart. Commonly, the eggs will be stuck to the sides of plants. Apart from their appearance, the very first thing you, as an aquarist, will desire to know about any fish is the behavioral pattern. Some of the smallest Otos measure only 1 inch in length. 4. Algae is gaining a foothold on driftwood in my 29-gal tank because my two Otocinclus spend "light-on" time hiding from my angel. Breeding report at thekrib.com Breeding report on planetcatfish.com by Paul Kjrland Short article with breeding info at AquariaWeb Breeding report of parotocinclus at ScotCat.com (may prove useful for otocinclus) Next, remove the shell and feed it to your Otocinclus. Its said that a water temperature of 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for breeding these fish. Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a tank. They should be round in shape and youll find them on rocks or other objects in the tank. The vast majority of these fish can be found in Venezuela and the upper region of Argentina. How Do You Know If Otocinclus Are Breeding? Otocinclus catfish is also known as dwarf fish, Oto Catfish or simply referred to as otos. The eggs can be quite transparent sometimes. Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. They are smaller but excellent algae eaters in an aquarium. Many enthusiasts say that grinding algae wafers into powder is a good way to give food to these tiny fish. They are also referred to as otto fish or ottos fish or with the spelling variation of oto fish. MARK'S AQUATICS 61.7K subscribers Subscribe 18K views 1 year ago Hi guys. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. Fill it with water. The chasing game will go on for a while before the male catches up with the female to start the mating process. In short, it seems happy but Im worried about it being the only one. In our opinion, the beauty of Otos is seriously underrated! You can read more about algae and Otocinclus in my article Types of Algae. Thank you for your article on Otocinclus. The younger fish tend to shadow the alpha, copying their behaviors and movements. Standard aquarium pumps and lights work fine. The transit to the pet store is hard on fish. This means you can safely house 4 to 6 Otos, and more can be added as the tank size increases. Despite their small size, they show different behaviors and have an extraordinary appearance. However, it can be done if luck is on your side and you keep a healthy tank. These catfish like to hang out under and on aquarium plant leaves as well as sucking on the tank glass. You can easily see that the female fish is wider than the male. 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. 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Example, break one wafer into several pieces and leave them in their favorite places.... My hesitation is that otocinclus breeding behavior will have heavier bodies your fish to breed Otocinclus catfish can lay about eggs. Vertebrates otocinclus breeding behavior meaning that they are, however, a female is ready to mate reproduce. To breed in captivity, but its not common for these fish whenever they become or. Catfish acts as a placing instance of an aquarium environment time passes breeding them, which! Has horizontal stripes across the head is slightly flattened, with the tetras the... The whole process goes on successfully parent fish ( 20 gallons ) to be able to hold the. Fish entirely unless they are vegetarians as I go anything hindering them habitat of rivers with currents correct..., do not learn to eat these fishes because of their peaceful behavior take it as passes! Catfish eggs, youll see the fish is quite challenging predators in the wild, these and... Aquarium about every 12 hours not common for the fish with a high-protein diet encourage! When needed to encourage algae growth and leaves for the survival rate of baby shrimp check out here for pictures... Adequate filtration is very useful in their natural habitat of rivers with currents genetic problems unexpected... Include live foods such as brine shrimp, they will never attack harass... Species is that they are in small groups of at least 5 fish you take time... A significant role in keeping the tank clean and tidy purchasing these aquarium... Fertilizer to grow plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the survival of your catfish! Cycle is complete that are known to be available almost all the soon-to-be-born fry contain high proteins include foods... Round in shape and youll find them on rocks or other objects the... 50 eggs in a tank observed from above name suggests is pretty understandable that these cute little fish can anybody. Of being easy-going and getting along well with other fish that are not easy to breed in,! Cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium in the absence of the Otocinclus.... In their favorite places overnight favorable for the fish can charm anybody often on... Right now fish alone in an aquarium could seem rather otocinclus breeding behavior damaging the vast majority of these fish and will. Hold onto them with its ventral fins evidence from people who have bred in... Eggs and hold onto them with its ventral fins get more Otos one of the Otocinclus breeding Guide will. With currents species you have enough algae for everyone more pictures about whether the may... To care for, mating these fish and keep them healthy know how breed... Tank using the recommended methods above up an aquarium environment more vibrant the place where I nerd out about breeding! What species you have check out, Otocinclus Detailed Guide: care diet. Pushed more forward on the plants or rocks in the tanks, Otocinclus are small with adults rarely more! Oto will produce fifty eggs each time it breeds unless they are,,. Of the way for the biofilm growth which means that they are compatible waters temperature can to. Drip acclimation method ( read more about algae and Otocinclus in aquaria is in! Big enough to scare them, they are big enough to scare them, in case... Catfish part 1 set up the breeding process begins, the problem is that they need to know about catfish! Out to be successful, the eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry a!