Otocinclus is a genus of catfish within the family Loricariidae native to South America that is often referred to as “dwarf sucker” or “otos”. This genus, like other loricariids, and gets its name dwarf sucker because of the underline suckermouth. they’re usually tiny in size; O. Tapirape is that the smallest of the species (2.4 cm), while O. flexilis is that the biggest (5.5 cm). Otocinclus is a standard fish tank fish.
These very little diligent protoctist eaters are peaceful and make an awesome addition to your plant aquarium.
They are very easy to care for, amusing to watch, and can keep your marine museum from being overrun by protoctist – as long as you give them within the right conditions to thrive.
That is what you are going to learn in this Otos care guide. You’ll find out how to avoid the common mistakes that cause many hobbyists to lose within the initial month.
With their docile temperament, Otos will be an excellent addition to your tank. These are very peaceful and will not attack other animals in your tank. you’ll be able to safely add new animals to your tank while not risking shows of aggression from you Otos.
Otos are useful in your aquarium for their cleaning skills, they can clean glass, however, they really like to clean plants and stay happy and healthy by eating tiny proctitis particles off the leaves. These fish look glorious for tanks that have babies or shrimp in them, however, you must be cautious when buying these fish form the shop.
How to Purchase the Otocinclus Catfish
While you need to take care of you’re shopping for healthy fish, it’s particularly vital with the Otocinclus catfish, these fish will be in danger of starving to death if they’re not cared for correctly.
Most Otos are a wild-caught and purchased in massive numbers by wholesalers. Because the catfish are shipped from the supply to the jobber, they risk not receiving adequate food including once they have arrived an are housed at the wholesale location. Several wholesalers don’t offer adequate food to the Otos and that they will become drastically skinny or die from starvation.
Life with the jobber may not improve; some pet sites will house too many fish in one single fish tank.
The supply of food given may be inadequate. Often just on algae pellet is offered within the tank and one cannot feed a hundred fish.
The Otocinclus Catfish solely needs vegetables. Another problem occurs if you place them in a very clean tank that doesn’t offer a variety an ample variety of algae for the fish to eat.
Due to the high risk of starvation, it’s best to search for and buy the fattest Otos that you can see.
Another trick is to go buy the list price of the fish: expensive is probably better.
The price varies by the Otocinclus Catfish. In some stores, they’re listed as $2 per fish and in alternative stores, they’ll be sold-out for up to $4 per fish. The more cost-effective listing worth indicates unhealthy fish.
In stores like Petsmart, Otos are typically listed for $2 per fish, however, they’re unhealthy. The problem with a thin Otocinclus Catfish is that they’ll stop eating if they are not getting enough food to eat in the first place.
Once the Catfish is starved, it can not be brought back and can stop having the urge to eat. Usually, shopping for the $2 Otocinclus Catfish means that you’re shopping for a dead fish.
In alternative stores, they will be listed for $4 per fish. The increase in worth could also be a disadvantage if you are not looking forward to the pricier cost of a fish with no details of health whatsoever. The fish that are sold-out for up to $4 per fish are unremarkably fatter and healthier in many stores.
These Otocinclus Catfish will happily swim around with their spherical bellies, feeding on the tank or provided algae. By investing the $4 in one fish, you’re guaranteeing that it’ll have a content life in your fish tank. A healthy Otocinclus Catfish will live for 5-7 years.
How to get Healthy Otos?
To avoid the frustration of losing your pretty Otos within the 1st few months, it’s vital you choose the healthiest Otos from your fish store.
Speak to the employees at Your Pet Store:
How long they’ve had the stock for?
It’s common for Otos to die shortly once in a pet store, therefore if they’ve had them for a number of weeks it’s a decent sign.
What are you feeding them?
If they assert ‘Flake food’ – say no and leave. If they struggle to provide you with a solution – nope, this store isn’t for you
You know you’ll have reached success to find a decent food balance if your Otocinclus Catfish has lived in your tank for over a month or 2. If your fish have survived that long of a time, it means that they’re obtaining enough food to continue with happiness navigating their new home.
If you invest some love and care, they’ll thrive for years.