How to Stop Algae Growth With Otocinclus Algae Eater

How to Stop Algae Growth With Otocinclus Algae Eater – A Otocinclus Catfish is an impressive little scavenger for freshwater aquariums. Otocinclus Catfish are often sold as: Algae Scrapers, Oto Catfish, Otto Cats, Ottos, Dwarf Suckermouths, Dwarf Oto, Dwarf Ottos, Dwarf Suckers, Otos, Macrotocinclus affinis and Otocinclus affinis.

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How to Stop Algae Growth With Otocinclus Algae Eater

Although Otocinclus Catfish are algae eaters, they shouldn't be confused with other similar appearing fish also sold as “alga eaters” including: Chinese Algae Eaters, Siamese Algae Eaters and Siamese Flying Fox. Otocinclus also come in a a more infrequent variety: The Zebra Otocinclus. The Zebra Otocinclus is darker in color and has a camouflaged look as opposed to more widespread Oto Catfish.

It is said that Otocinclus Catfish care is relatively easy. But while care must be straight and simple foreword, keeping Oto Catfish can be tricky because they a fine freshwater aquarium fish. Otto Cats frequently die soon after being added to an aquarium after appearing to be active healthy and feeding well during the initial few days. Nevertheless, some grow and can live over one year under the proper conditions in size… and having a little luck.

In terms of Otocinclus Catfish care, Ottos should be added into a well recognized, mature, stable and clean aquarium to be able to allow them the greatest chance of survival. Otocinclus Catfish like heavily planted tanks with a decent number of algae growing that is recognized, especially of the soft filmy and soft green varieties.

Soft algae build-up growing on hard surfaces of the tank is fed on by a Otocinclus. That its important to make sure the tank is clean, but not “ too clean”. Otocinclus food may also include accessories such as even some fresh vegetables and algae wafers like zucchini slices that are green.

Some Otocinclus will eat green zucchini slices and some WOn't try it out for a few days. If the Ottos do not appear to be interested, take the zucchini out from the tank before it disintegrates, decomposes and creates water quality issues.

A Otocinclus Catfish is a little fish. They are able to grow to be about 1 1/2 – 2 inches when fully. Because Otocinclus Catfish size is small, they are fish that is very fast, to be able to dart from one end of the tank.

Recognized Aquarium Water Is Finest

Water Parameters: Aquarium water for Otocinclus Catfish should be in the subsequent tropical freshwater fish range:

Light: Standard community tank lighting will do

Be sure to keep Nitrates quite low as well, and water proceeding with Ammonia and Nitrites 0 and filtered ppm. And make sure to conduct regular partial water changes to ensure tank water keeps its buffering capacity. As they can really stress Otocinclus Catfish be attentive with unexpected shifts in water temperature or parameters as well as lead them to expire soon afterward.

Morphology

Their skeletons have flanges ridges and ledges that tell us they all have descended from a common ancestor.

Otocinclus additionally have an air-filled sac that balloons off their oesophagus and helps them ride full of the water column — most armoured catfishes sink because they're bony — hear and additionally, it may be a primitive lung when oxygen levels are low.

We know of 17 species of Otocinclus, or 16 if, according to some ichthyologists, O. affinis is put in Macrotocinclus. Telling them apart is challenging in the aquarium, however you can get some idea by studying tail and a person's eye .

That is a small flap that extends or contracts to modulate the amount of light let through the iris and what gives most suckermouth plecs their crescent-shaped eyes.

Tank Mates For Otocinclus Catfish: Peaceful

Because Otocinclus Catfish are non aggressive by nature, they have no means to safeguard themselves. So its tank that is crucial that you select partners sensibly. Otocinclus Catfish may do well with other community tank fish, especially Cory Catfish. Otocinclus can also do nicely in freshwater snail tanks and freshwater shrimp tanks. Snails can include the likes of Ramshorn Snails, Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails, Golden Inca Snails, Ivory Snails, Malaysian Trumpet Snails and Pond Snails.

Its not recommended to keep Otocinclus Catfish in tanks with Cichlids, Goldfish or aquarium crayfish. Roughens like Jack Dempsey, Oscars, Texas Cichlids and Striped Convicts can damage, kill and eat Ottos very rapidly. Always talk with the shop clerk before buying when there is any question regarding compatibility.