There are fish that eat brown algae so add Otocinclus Catfish or a Plecostomus to your tank to help prevent outbreaks. I’m new to fishkeeping and a pet store employee told me to purchase this fish as an algae eater for my 5 gallon tank . i have 7 amano shrimp in the tank but they dont seem to eat it. Universidad Alas Peruanas.http://dx.doi.org/10.21503/cyd.v22i4.1837, Otocinclus tapirape: A New Hypoptopomatine Catfish from Central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). However, they are still vulnerable to parameter changes so the tank levels should be closely monitored. Green Hair Algae – This type of algae forms wispy, hair-like growths that can reach 1 inch in length, or more. The belly is white or a cream color and the upper part of the body is gray-golden with a distinctive dark stripe running down the sides from the mouth to the tail. Julian Member. Best Algae Eating Team”. Green veggies are the best! for topics about the Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus vestitus). Most people that I have spoken to have never seen their endlers eating algae, even when starved for 1-2 weeks. Brown Algae – Most likely to develop in new tanks, brown algae thrive in low light conditions and in water that is rich in nitrates and phosphates. Otocinclus lay eggs all around the tank on plants. They are shy schooling fish so make sure to keep them in small group (3 or more) and to provide plenty of hiding places where they can hide from other fish. You need to put the fish in a quarantine tank. However, I would not recommend Otocinclus fish for beginners as they can also be a challenge to keep alive. If you are looking to breed, you should have aquarium plants in your breeding tank. My otto's do fine.. Contents hide. Absolutely not! These types of algae do not grow tall. For example, break one wafer into several pieces and leave them in their favorite places overnight. Unfortunately, they don’t eat all kinds of algae: they only eat soft green and brown algae, nothing else. 10-07-2013, 07:46 PM. Healthy Otocinclus will dart quickly around the tank. It forms clusters of slippery black or purplish threads on any of the hard surfaces in your tank and kind of resembles a patchy beard. If the tank is too big for them, they can get scared and hide. In this guide, I will share some practical tips and take you through everything you need to know on how to take care of them and should you choose Otocinclus as your fish. The tank should be 78.8-degree Fahrenheit or 26 degrees Celsius which will encourage your fish to breed. Brazilian Journal of Biology. This surfaces include the inside of the tank walls, gravel, decorations, and plants. Healthy Otocinclus … It is pretty understandable that these cute little fish can charm anybody. Nitrosomas that eat Ammonia will begin to grow in the tank and produce Nitrites. Preferably, the water should be slow-moving with high oxygen levels. Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. Ciencia y Desarrollo. Although most Otocinclus are sold or mis-identified as O. affinis (above) this species is now rarely seen, possibly due to habitat loss and land-use changes in its native south-eastern Brazil. They are the only critters that may be useful for green water control. Use any fertilizer to grow plants in a tank. To maintain the cleanliness of the aquatic environment for a long time, experts advise you to get Otocinclus Catfish, which eat algae formed on stones, decorative elements and the walls of the tank. If your fish are sick, you can tell by a change in appetite, inactivity, or increased respiration. Finally, we come to the sub-family Hypoptopomatinae, within whose ranks we find our Otocinclus. They specialize in eating soft green algae; often this algae is hard to see without looking closely for it. For them, diminished numbers is a certain sign of danger, so they hide. Do not combine with large aggressive fish. To get green algae growing, you'll need 2 Watts of light per gallon, at least. If you are given them peas, they must be salt-free. How to Care for Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei). Unfortunately, they don’t eat all kinds of algae: they only eat soft green and brown algae, nothing else. THAT'S what these little catfish eat. Both carry a dark horizontal stripe in a field of green to brown. These little guys should have nice round bellies but not too big that it looks like it is going pop. Unlike most other algae, green spot algae doesn’t grow tall. In my tanks I have a Siamese (NOT CHINESE) Algae eater (AKA SAE / Crossocheilus oblongus) for hair-type algae; Otocinclus for brown algae (diatoms). Color can also be a good sign of a healthy Oto. 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. Otocinclus Catfish are also known as Dwarf Suckers or Oto Catfish. One of the best things about these algae eaters is that they also eat Green Spot Algae, the type of algae that most of the other algae eaters won’t consume. 6 Jun 2015 #2 Not once it gets really hard. So-so against hair algae. In the wild, they primarily eat algae and slime (biofilm) that builds up on rocks and plants. Adequate filtration is very important no matter the tank size. If you’ve got a problem with these algae, Mystery Apple Snails may … They will gladly graze on any soft brown or green algae that grows in your tank. Threads 873 Messages 8.4K. You can use soft flow air stones to increase oxygen levels. They need to see their buddies in all places to feel safe. Many aquarium keepers prefer Otocinclus because they do not get very big. However, what is even more important – the quarantine tank should also have a lot of algae. The pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins are clear and the tail fin is striped. The Otocinclus affinis, also known as Otocinclus catfish or simply Oto cat is a small south American fish native to Brazil where it can be found in heavily vegetated streams and rivers. link to How to Care for Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei), link to Serpent (Brittle) Starfish – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding, Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon), You can read more about algae and Otocinclus in my article “Types of Algae. aren't substitutes! Otocinclus catfish can be very handy fish to have in your aquarium. 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. Hardiness: Medium. It is recommended that they be kept in high numbers in the aquarium. According to the studies, Otocinclus become mature at 25 mm (1 inch) long. When buying an Otocinclus catfish, it is very important to make the trip home as quick as possible and to acclimate the fish very slowly. Algae are very important for the Otocinclus catfish so make sure there is enough in your tank before you buy one. Mystery Apple Snails are prized for their ability to eat algae that many other fish won’t touch. Green Spot Algae (GSA) are a relatively little-known type of aquarium algae that most freshwater systems experience at some point in their life. I havent seen them eat either in the … Therefore, you should also be sure to feed them algae wafers or catfish pellets. Feeding regime [edit | edit source] They graze on algae virtually all the time, so ensure there is enough algae in the tank. Some compatible tank mates are Pygmy Cory, Boraras, Panda Garra, Dwarf Gouramis, Albino Bristlenose Pleco, Royal Farlowella, Neon Tetras, Ruby Tetras, Guppies, Endlers, Danios, and Rasbora. 1 decade ago. article “Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting”. Otocinclus graze constantly on algae on all surfaces. So what can we do in this case? While they normally eat algae in the wild – and will also prefer to eat this in your tank – you might need to add some other foods, too. The eggs should hatch and begin their lives as fry after a few days. These flakes will decay, and Ammonia will be produced. These small catfish require some pretty specific care, especially for a new tank. Lv 7. The transit to the pet store is hard on fish. Test Nitrite and Ammonia for a few weeks. Due to its small size, Amano Shrimp will get along better with compliant fish. The oto is pretty active day and night. Ive tried giving them Hikari algae wafers and Repashy soilent green. Finally, males have a small contact organ formed near the fin base. The Otocinclus is a dwarf sucker-mouth catfish that only grows to be about 2 inches long. I have to start off by saying that Otos are sensitive, and a poor choice for the first inhabitants. Otocinclus catfish can easily be confused with Otocinclus vittatus and Otocinclus hoppei. Joined 16 Aug 2013 Messages 41. In some cases, the schools can have hundreds or even thousands of fish. The sort of films they eat will grow on glass, wood, leaves of plants, and surfaces of equipment in the tank. Otocinclus will not eat staghorn algae, red, or Black beard algae even when they are starving. Do not be like them, this mistake can have a very high price. However, what happens when your Oto eats all the algae and it doesn't grow fast enough to sustain your catfish? Even in the absence of the predators in the tanks, Otocinclus will not feel safe when they are in small numbers. 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. Both carry a dark horizontal stripe in a field of green to brown. Extra Information: Whilst Mollies are not generally thought as of an ‘algae eating fish’ they will eat algae from rocks and plants. Otocinclus affinis. The fish used to be found in t… To avoid picking Otocinclus that are close to death, observe fish activities and ask your pet store appropriate questions. However, Bamboo shrimp, due to the unique food intake technique, can easily eat free-floating algae and microorganisms. But theyve already gone through the algae and biofilm in my tank. While fish in the whiptail group do eat algae and generally do not damage plants, they are not voracious algae eaters. Instead, … They certainly won’t get rid of as much algae as the other species mentioned here, but they are an attractive fish. Your email address will not be published. About half an hour after lights are out, drop an algae tab, he'll enjoy it. They thrive in planted tanks that have good water quality. Otocinclus do not care for their eggs. Hailing all Sponsors, I have recently set up a 200L planted tank and experiencing some green spot algae and spots off hairy algae. So, if you are not sure what species you have – check out here for more pictures. Common Cause. 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. When Ammonia and Nitrite levels go back to 0, your cycle is complete. Black Beard Algae (BBA) Despite the name, black beard algae or BBA is actually a type of red algae from the Rhodophyta family. But be aware that because clams are filter feeders, they starve in the typical aquarium – the water is just too clean. Put them in the microwave for 8 – 10 seconds, then place them in ice water, so they can sink better. Your email address will not be published. Otocinclus is a fast moving, sucker mouth fish that feeds on algae. Will otocinclus eat green spot algae? All tank mates should have a gentle temperament and enjoy the same water parameters as the Otocinclus. 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. Read more information in my article “Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting”. Do otocinclus eat green dust algae of the glass walls Sent from my D2303 using Tapatalk . these are the plants. Fill it with water. Home comforts. If algae are not present in the tank, supplement with a vegetable-based flake or wafer food. Your email address will not be published. They are also known for pacific temperament and excellent cleaning skills. Common names: Oto cat, Golden otocinclus, Dwarf Sucker Mouth, Otocinclus catfish. One of the most discussed topics on the web is how to get rid of algae. It typically forms in fluffy spots on substrate, rocks, glass, and tank decorations. Otocinclus Catfish; Amano Shrimp ; Nerite Snails; Note. catx. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.191560, Otocinclus – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. Green Hair Algae – This type of algae forms wispy, hair-like growths that can reach 1 inch in length, or more. One claim that’s hard to believe but possible is that they eat the dreaded black brush algae (read this testimonial.) Otocinclus are biofilm grazers, and this sort of film is found in a mature heavily planted tank without too much searching. 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. Some, The only problem is that they will compete with shrimp for algae thus it can affect the, In addition, if there are not enough algae in the tank, it can be difficult to keep Otocinclus and, Absolutely not! Therefore, it’s important to keep live plants in your aquarium to encourage algae growth and leaves for the biofilm growth. They eat the flakes that I feed my fish, I have slate stones in the tank and the flakes fall on them and the otto's eat them . They tend to ignore other fish entirely unless they are big enough to scare them, in which case they hide. The general rule of thumb is at least 6 Otos but the more the better. Even better, a clam can filter a lot of water fast. The fish should then be transferred into the main aquarium using the, Unfortunately, the problem with Otocinclus species is that they do not do very well in a small and bare quarantine tank. This majestic coral... Serpent (Brittle) Starfish – Detailed Guide: Care, Diet, and Breeding. Otocinclus species have very small dentition meaning that they are not physically capable of damaging the vast majority of plants. You should feed Otocinclus daily. Fixing the problems can get your fish back to normal. Give them time to learn that this can be a food source for them. Eventually, the male will catch up to the female and the mating process will start. Although they have many different small morphological characteristics (useful for scientists) the easiest way for us is to look at colors and patterns. Fish that feed on algae produce much waste, but the Otocinclus catfish does not produce lots of waste compared to other algae-eating fish. Every female can have from 16 to 202 eggs, depending mainly on female size. Currently, the genus Otocinclus contains 19 species of freshwater catfish. Pretty weird to replace a $120 light for $24 worth of light but ya gotta do what ya gotta do… It shares the tank with 3 tetras and they seem to get along OK. Ideally, the water temperature should be between 75°F and 79°F (24-27°C) the pH should be somewhere around 6.8-7.5 and KH at 6-10. There Oto catfish swims in shoals above sandy bottom areas filled with tree roots.They are spread from Colombia to North Argentina. They will not eat hair algae or green spot algae. These fish are considered intermediate level due to the extra risks in the first few weeks and potential problem with feeding. This isolation should last for a few weeks. All vegetables added to a tank should be verified as pesticide-free because Otocinclus have no protection from chemicals. After at least 1 week has passed, you can introduce your couple into the mating tank and hope for the mating ritual to begin. Eventually, the Nitrites levels will begin to drop. Keep them away from all types of crayfish and crabs. To start your cycle, drop fish flakes into your aquarium about every 12 hours. It is an elongated fish with a slightly curved back and a flat belly. Green spot algae is named for what it looks like – small, circular green spots. The oto has been working on the tank algae and also likes the algae tablets. I’m Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. They are also diurnal and enjoy quickly swimming around the tank. You are viewing the forum as a Guest, please login (you can use your Facebook, Twitter, Google or Microsoft account to login) or register using this link: Log in or Sign Up the last time i wiped them out completely was by heavy excel dosing in my tank... 3x the dose for 4 days. Return the rocks to the container when they are clean. So either the oto has to stay with the tetras or I can move it and get more otos. They will not eat hair algae or green spot algae. You will definitely need appropriate LED lighting for the plants and algae to grow. Answer Save. Tip: If you shine a light on it in the dark you should be able to see them if it has eggs. Otocinclus really don't eat anything much besides green algae and the microorganisms therein. In the wild, they primarily eat algae and slime (biofilm) that builds up on rocks and plants. Huge belly: Either a swim bladder problem or an internal parasite. May be difficult to acclimatise initially. Thanks . Algae willtake over a tank when there is an imbalance of nutrients in the environment. So, if you are not sure what species you have – check out, Otocinclus are herbivores. Another fault can be that they are placed in a clean tank, which does not provide a sufficient number of algae for the fish to feed on. If you are breeding, you should choose a couple that has features and markings that you would want passed on to the offspring. Put there a lot of small rocks like marble chips and ceramic filter media (The rocks should be clean and aquarium safe, of course). Neotropical Ichthyology. This and their very calm demeanor make them perfect for most community tanks. low CO2 levels in the aquarium as well as the lack of macro nutrients. Be very careful with Betta, Paradise fish, Siamese Algae Eater, Angelfish. Copeia 2002(4):1063-1069. I have had 4 in my 55g forever, and 2 in my 44g pentagon and my pentagon hardly has any algae at all.. the green spot algae in cristal leaves a light circle mark that I think otos cant eat. I am looking for a tank inhabitant that would eat hair algae and would be peaceful for a 40 gallon breeder. The cure for spot algae is to scrub or scrape off surfaces. Otocinclus Catfish. Usually you may encounter this fish in streamside vegetation, especially in the grass among the water plants with large number of small leaves.You may also see this catfish in some open water mass. Neotropical Ichthyology. Therefore, add there at least some mosses. mine dont recognize Hikari algae wafers as food. Also see the Otocinclus Catfish Profile. You can also read my article “Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless”. Here is the common cause of Green Spot Algae can grow In your Aquascape. 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. Determination of medium lethal concentration (LC ) produced by pentahydrate copper sulfate in ten species of freshwater fish bioindicators used in Perú Ciencia y Desarrollo. I know these little guys do a good job because I've had otto's for a few years but didn't realize how much algae they could eat in one day. I know these little guys do a good job because I've had otto's for a few years but didn't realize how much algae they could eat in one day. As a result, they do not get enough food and, eventually, get stressed. Check out their mouths. Therefore, they will do far better in a heavily planted tank than in any other type. When there aren’t enough algae, you need to provide a source of algae for them to feed off of. 04. The Otocinclus have intermediate care needs. It also has a sucker mouth located beneath the head without barbels. I am in need of these awesome algae lovers. Best Algae Eating Team”, You can also read my article “Step-by-Step Cycling your Shrimp Aquarium Fishless”. The main food of Otocinclus is algae. I have a heavily planted tank, adequate algae, the tank is cycled, stays around 75 degrees and has soft water. mine dont recognize Hikari algae wafers as food. They can filter out and eat the single-celled algae that cause green water. There needs to be a "turf" of green fuzzy algae on the plants and rocks. The main reason for the formation of the Green Spot Algae i.e. Green spot algae and blue-green algae can be particularly difficult to get rid of. The following circumstances can benefit the Aquarium for the growth of Green Spot Algae: 5 to 10 mg/l of potassium (K) Of… The pH levels and hardness levels of the water should also be at the proper levels in order to successfully breed. Also, make sure their water is free of poisonous ammonia and nitrite. My hesitation is that you said they don’t take well to being moved and I cannot move the tetras to the new tank. You can also buy Oto online, even on Amazon. Once the Catfish is starved, it cannot be brought back and will stop having the urge to eat. Oto may be difficult to raise by new aquarium hobbyists, but experienced aquarists should be fine. You may also spot them hanging off rocks, or the sides of the tank to feed on any algae growth building up on these surfaces. Without algae, the Otocinclus will starve and die. It’s partly caused by the small size and … Quick Intro to Otocinclus. During the day, these fish usually rest on a leaf or stick to the glass of the tank. Although some people prefer to use a canister filter to get the best filtration. it cleared it out, but at the expense of my amanos. Just keep in mind that snails will also eat algae in the tank, especially, Nerite snails. If … Females tend to be more vivid colors and grow to be larger and rounder than the males. Even if it is an amazing Otocinclus. The temperature in the breeding tank should be warm. I purchased some otocinclus about a week ago. This surfaces include the inside of the tank walls, gravel, decorations, and plants. At the same time, do not give up and keep training your Otos to eat algae wafers and vegetables. Bristlenose plecos are a great option for you if you are looking for algae eaters for a large tank. The Best Filtration System for Breeding Shrimp, my article “Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers”, drip acclimation method (read more about it here). Before introducing your Oto’s, your tank should be cycled, fully established, and have algae growth for sustenance. They are \"like weeds\", choking outthe good plants and just generally messing up the tank environment. In big groups, they are constantly visible and way easier to feed. Required fields are marked *. They will eat the soft green algae that grows on the surfaces of the tank and its contents. If you’ve got a problem with these algae, Mystery Apple Snails may be your best bet. I will require at least 8 of these little suckers. Well, there are several other types of food that you can add to supplement your Oto's diet. i am having a repeating battle with some BBA and staghorn algae good thing its still limited to a certain portion of my tank and havent spread out. Aggressiveness: Peaceful. If the tank isn’t that thickly planted, then 10-12 species for 100 liters of tank capacity (26,42 gallons) is enough. Otocinclus are tiny South American algae eating catfish. Green Algae do have some beneficial features since they house carious micro-organisms who form a crucial part of the diet of various fish. Do not use and avoid medication, or plant fertilizer that contains Copper of any form. Most issues with Oto are due to an unclean tank and a poor diet. Therefore, they really have no interest in eating plants, they only graze on the surfaces of them. I bough 2 otos for a nano cube with some brown, brown fussy and green spot algae, in 3 days otos eats all algae easy. The head is slightly flattened, with the eyes on either side, giving Otocinclus lateral vision. The fry eat algae and microbes. Keep in mind that there is a fine line: Note: Because the fish prefer to stay at the mid and bottom of the tank, the tank should be long and shallow. There are fish that eat brown algae so add Otocinclus Catfish or a Plecostomus to your tank to help prevent outbreaks. This soft algae isn't to be confused with green spot algae that you can barely get off with a … To get green algae growing, you'll need 2 Watts of light per gallon, at least. The ideal aquarium should be heavily planted with very clean water. I havent seen them eat either in the last … You should look for Oto’s that are olive-brown, black and white. Use the water that comes from water changes. Otocinclus are super friendly little fish. Therefore, feeding them algae wafers or even blanched vegetables, will not be a guarantee they eat well. There are some reports that Otocinclus really like Repashy Soilent Green (check the price on Amazon). Barely decorated tanks without live plants will be very stressful and unpleasant for Otocinclus. Expand signature:headbang2: Jumko AC Members. Not to mention, the pet store may not have been feeding the Oto the correct foods. Although, past the natural algae the best source of food, is veggies straight out of your kitchen. Ideally – 24/7. Sharp gravel should be avoided because it can injure the fish. 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 Oto’s in order to prevent the potential spread of disease into your tank.