Otocinclus Catfish????

[joeyg2100]

I am looking to get an algie eater for my 20 gallon tank. These look to fit in real nice. One question with them is, will they eat fish eggs? I am looking to breed my blue rams, and I need somthing to control algie. If they do eat eggs is there anything that doesn't. Thanks

 

[daniel364]

No, i dont htink so i think they're purley vegeterains

 

[TropicalNorth]

Mine have never even looked at the shrimp pellets I put in the tank, they only go for the vegetarian stuff. I don't think they will bother the eggs.

If you decide to get ottos get at least 2, they don't like to be on their own.

 

[cichlidkeeper91]

I think it would be cool to get a school of them. Like 6 or 8. I dont think they eat eggs either.

 

[TKOS]

There are some reports of them eating eggs. However, this may be a desperation thing where there was not enough decent algae for them to eat. Make sure when buying them that they have slightly rounded bellies. And make sure the tank is mature enough to support them with a decent algae growth (they are hard to get to eat veggies, unlike plecos).

 

[RoseFishWatcher]

I would guess, even if they wanted to eat the eggs, the rams would protect them and everything would be fine. As far as if they would eat eggs or not, listen to everyone else, I've never kept ottos : )

 

[WeeNe858]

thats what i was just going to say... keep the otos well fed and your rams should chase the oto out of the "nursery" if


if the oto keeps at it then just eat your oto :devil:

 

[Mr_Obsidian]

I think it depends on the individual Oto. I have one in my tank, and I supplement with algae wafers, but I have noticed him munching on the occasional fallen flake food and even, albeit rarely, bloodworms.

There is really no guarantee that an Oto will not eat eggs, but I think it's somewhat doubtful.

Also, Oto's are reputed to do better in groups, but I have found that my individual Otocinclus has done just fine on his own. He's doubled in size, and is quite active. He even recovered from a small fungal infection without any medicinal assistance.
Just be careful not to put too many in a 20 gallon. These guys require a lot more algae than most people realize, and I believe that may be why they are known to suddenly perish in otherwise healthy tanks, for no apparent reason.
If you go with a small group, I wouldn't get more than 2 or 3, and would still supplement their diet with algae wafers. My Oto also enjoys the occasional shelled pea.

 

[Importskyline22]

Ive lost my otto. I cant find him newhere in my 10G. and its only a 10G not to much places to look. lol.

 

[kuhliloach]

With 20 Gallons U Can Get 12 Kuhli Loaches!! Exellent Bottom Feeders And Are Wormy, 3 Inch Freshwater Fish. They Are A Peaceful Community Fish, But Unlike Otto's They Require Soft Substrate And Need A Hiding Place Untill 9 Pm Then Go Nut's.