OTOs

Fish Of The Month - August 2008


OTOS (Photos and Information by Mary)




Scientific Name: Otocinclus vittatus

Common Names: Otos. There are many species available including O. affinis and O. cocoma (Zebra Oto) but the most commonly available is O. vittatus as pictured above.

Distribution: Native to Costa Rica, Panama and Brazil. Otos are usually wild caught.

Sexual Dimorphism: Females are larger and fatter.

Adult Size: Up to 6.5cm.

Water Parameters: These fish prefer soft, slightly acidic water and a pH of 5.0 - 7.5. However, they can also be kept in medium hard, neutral water.

Temperature: 18 - 24 deg C (64 - 75 deg F) although they can adapt to warmer temperatures.

Care: In the wild, Otos are found in fast flowing rivers with dense vegetation and a plentiful supply of algae. Therefore, it is important to try and replicate these conditions in an aquarium. A densely planted, well aerated aquarium of at least 45L is preferred with good filtration, a strong filter flow and good oxygen supply. They are very sensitive to water chemistry - particularly pollutants - and require a plentiful supply of algae and aufwuchs. For these reasons, Otos should not be added to new tanks but only after several months when the filters have matured and a sufficient amount of algae has developed.

Social Characteristics: A very peaceful little fish, Otos are probably the most industrious worker in the tank. They rarely cease in their grazing of algae from aquarium glass, plants and decor. They alternate these busy periods of activity with brief periods of rest, lying motionless on plant leaves or attached to the aquarium glass. In the wild, they are found in huge groups and, while not a traditional shoaling species, they should not be kept in isolation. They do better in groups of at least 2-3 individuals.

Feeding: Algae, fresh vegetables (cucumber, courgette, potato) and occasionally algae tabs. They do not tend to eat fish flake or live foods. A fat Oto is a happy Oto and one of the main reasons for their demise is starvation. Therefore, it is important to supplement their diet with fresh vegetables a couple of times a week. Another indication of good health is a steady production of green faeces.

Breeding: Females attach eggs to plants and rocks. These hatch after three days. Due to their ready availability, they are not yet commercially bred.

Have you come across Oto Arnoldi.If so I take it the care etc is much the same as the ones you mention.They only seem to grow to about 2.5 inches?.
Regards Whistler

Hiya whistler. from what I can gather this species is much the same as oto vittatus, it is just another generic name for dwarf catfish. Having said that there does seem to be a bit of a debate on some sites whether vittatus and arnoldi are two totally different species, and there doesn't seem to be any agreement on that.

Arnoldi though do not grow big - about 2" - and are looked after just as written above, so I wouldnt worry too muvh

From what I know of the Oto family, the various species names are for the different appearances and colourations. But AFAIK all have the same behaviour and care requirements.

thankyou all

No prob, Whistler.