Tropical Fish Keeping banner

Need ID, Possible Algae Eater??

2K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
Hi,
I got this fish and I'm not sure what exactly it is... Wondering if someone could help me out?
I've posted a picture!
Thanks!!
 

Attachments

See less See more
2
#2 ·
Otocinclus catfish. How long has your tank been set up? Did you only get one oto? They prefer to be in the company of other otos and do best when kept in a group (minimum of three) in a well established aquarium. They feed strictly on algae and if algae isn't present in the aquarium, without supplementing their diet they will slowly starve to death.
 
#3 ·
Bugger, the guy in the shop sold me 2 and one died so this one is on its own... I will have to either get a new one or bring him back. I'll try bring him back, it's a relatively new tank, it has cycled and there is algae in it. I bought "Complete sinking food" for "Plecostomus catfish and all algae and plant eating fish". Would that have been a bad buy or would he be ok to eat this do you know?
 
#5 ·
You can always try it. Some will, some won't. I have a group of otos in my display and they won't touch anything other than algae. Luckily the display tank has plenty of algae for them.

I keep a trio of otos in a 6gl and other than algae they will eat spinach. I've heard other people say their otos will eat lettuce, zucchini, etc. (mine won't)
Your tank is relatively new...exactly how long has it been set up??
 
#7 ·
Kymmie has given you good advice, I'll just add from my personal experiences.

Your tank is new, I would not get any otos yet. Like Corydoras catfish, otos are very sensitive to water parameters and quality. They frequently (almost always from reading posts here) die when added to a new aquarium. Probably a combination of their sensitivity and food.

When first introduced to an established tank, there must be algae present or they may often starve. I have found that once they are settled, if the algae they eat runs out (and they only eat certain types, not all algae) they will readily accept tablet and pellet food at the bottom, along with similar catfish. My five otos in the 115g are regularly lined up with the Corydoras for their morning feeding, which is always about 1-2 hours after the light comes on. They know. And they nibble away on the tablets. They have frequently spawned, though the eggs or fry usually get eaten by something; once I had two survive and they grew to full adults. I only knew this because I had put three otos in the tank, and one day a few months later I noticed there were five, two slightly smaller in size.

I would wait a bit before getting more otos; if you can return the one you have, it might be best.

Byron.
 
#8 ·
Thank you, I will return him. I will be picking fish better suited to a higher PH rather than attempting to lower the PH, even with rocks (if that's possible, still have to do research on that). I was thinkin about trying it yesterday but I've thought over it some more. Mollies or platys are looking good. I'm going to give it a while though! At least a month anyway, possibly more!
I am setting up a quarantine tank tho!! I didn't have money to buy another tank one but my sister has a 90 litre tank she's not going to use for a while so I'm setting that up this weekend and will use that in the future for quarantining new fish and sick fish!
Thanks for your advice. I think this forum is great. I can't believe there are so many people willing to give advise to anyone!
 
#9 ·
It is good thinking to have fish suited to your water rather than attempt to adjust your water to suit fish. Especially if you are having difficulties--your earlier comment (which I missed last time, sorry) that it is really difficult. It really isn't, though I remember my troubles and thinking it wasn't worth it. Most of us probably go through this, some even after much experience when something new seems insurmountable. But many on here have considerable experience, and are willing as you've noted to offer suggestions to help.

On the water, if your pH is in the 7's or 8's and there is corresponding hardness, livebearers would be excellent fish. And there are several plants that will do well in such water too. And of course African rift lake cichlids if the tank is big enough for a community. If the water is in the low 7's and moderately hard, there are many other fish than can adapt. Lots of choices. After some research, post your questions, we all love to answer them.:)

Byron.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top