Otocinclus Catfish species profile.

[@besthobbit]

They're also the most adorable.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They definitely are. So placid too. They are the gentlefish of the aquarium.

[@theburningman5047]

With Hillstream Loaches!

[@DawnMichele]

Hi Daniel!!! Hope all is well!!! They are very cute fish!!! GREAT close ups of them!!! Have a wonderful night!!!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thanks Dawn. Not always easy getting clips like that with the equipment I'm working with. For every clip I used there were half a dozen that hit the cutting room floor. Worth it though. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@roundedrob1483]

Great video from A-Z THEY are cute little guys.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thanks very much bud. They are that. Can't help but notice the smile on your face when you've watched them for a while eh?

[@madfishdiva]

Really cute little guys. They are very active. Thanks for the information 💦

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They're gorgeous Diva. Definately the sweethearts of the tanks. Thank you very much for looking. Wasn't sure how interested folk would be in these because they are so well known already but I had more clips of these than of any of the other fish so...

[@Tropicalfishcrazechannel]

Hello friend great species and nice profile.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thank you very much TFC. 👍

[@82easyrider]

Sweet works Daniel. I'm planning my new tank and I've got all that I want to know in your channel. Really love these little guys. Waiting out until the tank is 100% cycled and established seem the right time to get a group of them. You're dead on, I'd buy them because they are fun to observe and keep - I'm doing WCs and controlling my ferts/light to control algae.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Ah that's great if my video have helped. That's what it's all about helping each other to enjoy the hobby eh? Sounds like you're going about it the right way; doing your research and planning ahead. You'll still come across new things as you go and new challenges no doubt but that it part of the enjoyment to me. Thanks very much for the feedback. Always great to hear one of my videos has been of use to someone.

[@seamus6994]

Subbed, liked and saved! These guys are not easy to find in my local fish store. And they sell out fast. I'm trying to build up a nice school for my 70 gal. tank. The ones I bought, were skinny and discolored badly. But they are filling out fast and seem happy. I use Zucchini I blanch then slide them on wooden skewers. I can skewer squash, cabbage, peas and banana on one skewer. Plecos and most all fish eat from it also. Each slice of squash is gone within 3 days without messing up my water. I noticed the larger the school, the more they swim together. They do Cart-wheels in front of the glass just like my Black Kuhli Loaches do. I'm hoping to end up with at least 25 in this tank. I rotate smooth rocks from outside water basins that the rocks get covered in Algae, to the tanks and back again. I think they are shy if they don't have many of their own kind. Mine are all over glass and plants. They say the biggest killer is, Starvation and Lack of Numbers. So as Daniel said, buy all you can. Lot of fun to watch.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Have to agree with you there; they do better in larger numbers. They feel much more comfortable, do better and you get to see better and more natural behaviour. The more the merrier with this fish.

[@OnefishTwofishROC]

Hiya Daniel! What a terrific spotlight on these awesome little guys! You hit on all the points and details :) I smiled when you said "a wee while"....i say that too ! This is a perfect video for anyone wanting to learn about otos! Great job!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Haha, that's an expression I picked up living here. Folk here find it amusing when it comes from me as do the folk back home. Thank you very much for that super kind feedback. I really appreciate the encouragement. Hard not to be enthusiastic and the cute little busy gentle fish. Glad to hear you think I covered most of the main points about them. When I hear folk say they bought them to help with algae I'm like no! Buy them because they're cool and the algae eating is a bonus!

[@stationaryobsessive]

Thank you

[@DanielKeepingFish]

No worries. 👍

[@mathildakd1]

Great video

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thank you ever so much for saying so. Glad you found it okay.

[@jcbuk2us]

I am currently looking these little guys, I fell in love with their cuteness instantly. Better too that they are schooling fish too, a full working force that'll also add some movement in a tank.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Yeah they're a great wee fish bud and super cute as you say. Hard to see a draw back.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

They Don't usually School, and they Don't normally swim around much except to move to another grazing area. Keep 1 for each 10 Gallons. It's not the Water Volume so much, but the Surface Area to contain the Water. I have 6 in a 65 USG and for the most part are solitary or I might see 2 a few inches apart. The only time they shoal is during Water Changes, then I see 5 together and the Lone Ranger about 6 to 8 inches away.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@The Seth Siding pick up a Package of Hikari Algae wafers. If you can get the Mini Wafers, great. If you can only get the larger ones, break them up. There's not a lot of surface area in a 5.5 USG so you will need to supplement their diet.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Otos are tiny. They can swim through a McDonald's Plastic Straw. 😉

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@The Seth Siding Otos don't have "pointy snouts". More U shaped.

[@FKJ_WORLD]

hahaha love hear your tiny expression, thanks for this share sport. One love

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Haha, what, wee? Picked that up living here. Don't even realise I'm doing it till someone points it out. Thanks very much homes. 👍

[@JordansFishRoom]

Lovely fish I should probably buy some soon!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Hard not to fall in love with them once you have them bud. Hope you find that too if you try them.

[@DebTim]

Hi Danny... great footage. I like these guys but they aren't suited for my large tanks. I need a cleaning crew that won't get eaten! Excellent information. I really enjoy doing and watching species profile vids!! Well done!!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thanks Deb. They've always been one of my favorite types of videos too. Haha yes, maybe not the best tank mates for the type of fish you keep. Thanks for saying you enjoyed the video anyway.

[@sailfinaquatics]

Great video man, I love the informative content.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thank you very much. Glad you liked it. 👍

[@kellysuzanne976]

I had 4 all died few months later but one . I'm getting 4 more soon , my one little guy keeps my 60 gallon clean . He keeps my rocks and fake plants looking good. At one point my plants were covered in the brown algae and it was pretty bad buy I decided to leave it . Took him 2 months to tackle it all but he did a good job. Love these guys

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They're super cute and hard little workers right enough. I would always suggest supplementing their diet. They are constant grazers but they won't always find enough in a tank to sustain them. I've always found they enjoy blanched corgette (zucchini) very much. Try to buy healthy fish. Feed them well and keep their water clean and hopefully the next ones you get will be there for you to enjoy for a long time to come. Good luck with them, they're great wee fish. 👍

[@kellysuzanne976]

@@DanielKeepingFish Thanks

[@jackanddan]

Lovely wee characters is right....👍

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They definately are but. Cute, harmless, interesting wee fish so they are.

[@robertfletcher3421]

Hi Daniel. I support you on what you say about buying Oto's. Buy them from a known reliable store that has had them in a good quarantine period. If they are healthy and the tank is matured (not just cycled) they are hardy little fellows. I am passionate about these fish.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Yeah I notice a lot of people giving them a bad rap saying they don't last long but if healthy fish are selected and housed properly they do as well as any fish I find. Hopefully this will help in some small way.

[@bipolaraquatics]

nice species profil these guys are pretty cool

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thanks bud. Yeah I've always liked them. Pretty hard not to enjoy the cute and useful wee guys who don't have a bad bone in their body.

[@bipolaraquatics]

@@DanielKeepingFish yeah there very intresting to watch

[@DanielKeepingFish]

@@bipolaraquatics definately agree mate. I spend a lot of time watching them, usually with an appreciative grin on my face without realising it.

[@Shaden0040]

They are so damn cute!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Haha, definately!

[@NYGOLD]

Nice video & beautiful camera work. Just to let you know I didn't forget about you it's just been a bit crazy on my end.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thanks bud. And no worries. I get how busy family/work life/etc can be. No sweat. 👍

[@Somedude819]

I have silk plants but algea grows on them as well as other decorations in the tank. Would it still work to have these in it?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

I couldn't say for sure as I haven't used silk plants myself but I imagine they'd still graze algae off of them. Plus they'll graze on other surfaces in the aquarium so I'd say it would be fine.

[@gailcousins3693]

Hello Dave! This is a very informative video on the Otocinclus catfish! They are very cute. I have a total of four and two in each of my ten gallon tanks with my betta. I tried to feed them Algae wafers and Nori Seaweed but they do not go to it! Maybe I should keep it longer in the tank. One of my bettas is so curious he will look for the food and eat it up! My otocinclus catfish will keep eating some algae or particles on the glass and decor! I sprinkle some Bug Bites for them and they will eat it when it lands on the decor and my silk plants. I will try to feed them cucumber, zucchini and Romaine lettuce. What is the best way to prepare this for them?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Yeah they are super cute right enough. The cucumber I just wash, slice and put in the tank. With vegetables such as zuccini I wash, slice and blanch them before adding them to the tank. I tend to pour boiling water in a microwaveable dish, drop the vegetables in microwave them for two minutes. I let it stand for a few minutes, pour the hot water out and let them cool before giving them to the fish. They also seen to enjoy canned green beans (also obviously no salt or anything like that).

[@gailcousins3693]

Goodmorning Dave. Thank you for getting back with me. What about Romaine lettuce, corn and peas?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

@@gailcousins3693 The lettuce should work. I'm not sure I would give them corn and it would be best to de-shell the peas. Squash, broccoli, carrot, cabbage, spinach and kale are all good choices. Have you seen the food clips that you can get? They're a nice fun way of giving your fish vegetables and a nice way of observing them eating a bit higher up in the tank. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZC2hIetp5mgjJo

[@benmillns8976]

Great video. I've had really bad luck with otos in the past but have just got another 12 last Sunday. So far so good with the new guys, well except the unlucky one who ended up in a surface skimmer but he's no worse off for it haha!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Oh glad you rescued him from his surface skimmer adventure! They look so good in a bigger group and it makes them more confident. A dozen sounds like a nice number. They can be delicate but if we buy as healthy fish as possible, keep the water clean and feed them well I find they can do really well. Offer them plenty of vegetables regularly. They are such effecient algae grazers that they can clear a tank quite quickly in large numbers and that's where some people go wrong; not giving them enough food on top. Hope you have better luck this time with them.

[@ejbrinegar]

Dear Daniel: I purchased three of these for my, 10-gallon bedroom tank, today. I know they do best in larger groups, but I didn’t think the 10-gallon would have enough algae for more. I’ve heard that they are difficult to feed anything other than algae, so I’ve made plans to swap out some anubias, mounted on driftwood. I’m pleased to see that otocinclus enjoy zucchini. I’m going to try to feed them some cucumber and algae wafers. I wanted to get a school of tiny tetra for that tank. I’ve check all the better, pet stores in my area for yellow phantom tetra (Hyphessobrycon roseus). No one has them available, right now, but a few promised to keep watch for some. My tap water has a pH of about 8.0. The Fluval Stratum in my, bedroom tank has it down to a pH of 7.0. I may try neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) in the tank, if I can’t find yellow phantom tetra. Thank you for posting this, informative and interesting video on otocinclus. All my best, Sincerely, E. J. Brinegar

[@DanielKeepingFish]

8.0 is quite high isn't it? Have you considered trying to order online? If you study sites and read reviews you can generally get a feel for how reliable an online retailer is although I appreciate it can be trick in other ways. Ensuring you can be in when they are due to be delivered can be awkward at times for example but another option none-the-less. You sound like you have Tetra in mind but if I may I'd like to draw your attention to a couple of other fish that can thrive in higher pH and may interest you. I have always been a fan of Whitecloud Mountain Minnow. I don't know if you are familiar with those but I think they are amazing fish. I particularly appreciate the gold version. Look also at Forktail Blue-Eye - Pseudomugil furcatus, Threadfin Rainbowfish - Iriatherina werneri and Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish - Melanotaenia Praecox. These may be equally difficult to find but stunning fish that I think may impress you.

[@ejbrinegar]

Dear Daniel: Yes, a pH of around 8.0 limits the fish I can keep in most of my tanks. I searched for Hyphessobrycon roseus for sale, on-line. The only listing I found was $8.00/each. Once I add shipping, the price is ridiculous. I wanted to get otocinclus established in my, 10-gallon, bedroom tank, mainly because they can deal with the flat, green algae growing on the leaves of my anubias, and possibly some other algae. It’s an interesting fish and I tried to keep them, before. But, a faulty, UV sterilizer destroyed them. Otocinclus enjoy a temperature of 72-79°F. Since the white cloud mountain minnow only gets about 1.6” long, and enjoys a temperature of 64-72°F, I was considering lowering the temperature from 79°F to 72°F, slowly over the next week or so, and purchasing white clouds. However, white clouds are not very colorful. I’ve kept them before and enjoyed the antics of the males as they displayed for females and to each other. Since Fluval Stratum has lowered the pH of my, bedroom tank to 7.0, I think this a terrific opportunity to try neon tetra, again. They never did well for me, before, most likely due to my high pH. I put the rest of the Fluval Stratum in a 5-gallon bucket and filled it with tap water. I treated two, anubias plants, mounted to Mopani driftwood, twice with H2O2 (letting them sit in the air for 5 minutes, each time). I then put the two anubias in the 5-gallon bucket and added liquid fertilizer and an LED light (on a timer). I hope the H2O2 destroyed any black beard algae that attached to the plants or driftwood. I plan to add these plants to the bedroom tank, or merely one at a time, to provide a continuous supply of algae for the otocinclus. The compact, fluorescent bulbs over my, 10-gallon, betta tank grow a lot of aufwuchs or periphyton (a mixture of algae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic microbes, and detritus attached to surfaces). So, I plan on putting some small pieces of Mopani driftwood in that tank, which I can move to the bedroom tank, periodically, to feed the otocinclus. Two of the otocinclus I purchased appear to be healthy. I noticed one eating the slice of cucumber I offered, last night. I also added a small piece of algae wafer in a shot glass, but they don’t appear to have touched that. One of the otocinclus doesn’t appear healthy. Feeders Supply offers a 14-day guarantee; so one expires, I can get a replacement (and may add a fourth otocinclus to the tank to make them feel more at ease). I told the Manager of the Fish Department at Feeders that I wanted to give neon tetra another go. He informed me that he’d just received a shipment of two dozen and suggested that I wait a week before making a purchase. The tank water in the store has a pH of about 8.0. The tank water from the distributor in Chicago probably has a comparable pH. The Manager suggested that if I wait a week, he should be able to help me select six, resilient specimens. Then, I can slowly acclimate them to my water. I did a search of the rainbow fish you recommended. Though I have wanted neon dwarf rainbowfish for some time, I do not believe that it or the other, two species of rainbowfish would do well in a 10-gallon tank. Thank you for your help and suggestions. I really appreciate your correspondence. Sincerely, Brinegar

[@DanielKeepingFish]

@@ejbrinegar my apologies bud, I had forgotten it was a 10G we were discussing. You're right, not ideal for the rainbows then. I don't find the Whiteclouds too colourful but it was the gold ones I was suggesting. I feel like they're plenty colourful, have you seen them? kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5exeZ6ZqrmKmMk That said it seems like you're keen on going for the Neon Tetra so don't let me distract you from them. They are colourful, interesting fish to enjoy also no doubt. Kind regards.

[@thelifeaquaticwithrobbull2930]

Nice profile mate, awesome little fish. I just wish someone would work out how to breed them in captivity...I don't do wild caught fish. Awesome vid mate 👍

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Thank you very much bud. They really are great little fish so they are. 👍

[@Polenth]

I've had success refeeding starving ones with tinned green beans. Very soft, so they can eat a lot with minimum work.

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Good one. Yeah there are quite a few to try and see what they like best. I imagine soft green beans being right up high on their list of favourites. 👍

[@FKJ_WORLD]

saw some of these by the local river three days ago, they are so swift

[@Becks-fi6xl]

Hi Daniel, did you quarantine yours when you got them ? I bought 8 and lost 2 very quickly and I’m pretty sure they gave my entire tank flukes, had a hell of a job sorting that out. Lost another 2 and 4 neons and a rasbora. So was down to 4 and all going well and now 1 has gone missing- looked everywhere 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’ve been finding best way to feed them is to squirt the powdered repashy on plants with a turkey baster and also spinach and red peppers on veg clips every 2 days. Love them to bits as they’re so cute and busy but worried about getting more now as they do have a hard start with the way they are caught and shipped 😞

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Yes best practise would be to quarantine any new fish so would be a good idea with these as well. As you point out it can help keep an eye on them and reduce the risk of adding something unpleasant to established tanks. With these fish it can be tricky since they are constant grazers so need a good supply of material to eat. What you could do is set the quarantine tank up as early as you can if you're considering buying some, weeks if possible. You can also add plants, scape and ornaments from existing tanks to the quarantine when you get them to enhance grazing opportunities and I love your idea of coating surfaces with Repashy.

[@amirulhusniazman6614]

i just got this 4 of this otos yesterday... so far so good, i have little algae on the aquarium so i feed them with blanch cucumber very active after that and start to chase my glowlight tetra..lol

[@nyemaelliott194]

I have a 10gal with 1 dwarf gourami 3 Harlequin Rasboras 2 small male endless 4 ghost shrimp And a snail.....would I have room to add 2 of these or am I at capacity?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Honestly it depends more on your filtration than your tank size. You could have a 10gal with a 20gal sump and you could have all the fish that can fit in the 10gal. You could have a 10gal with no filtration but do 50% water change every 3hrs, see what I mean? Ultimately it's not the number of fish but can we keep the water in good enough condition for the amount of fish we have. Myself I'd be willing to add three of these guys to that tank (they don't get big and feel better in groups) assuming you have a reasonable maintenance regime, don't over feed too often and have adequate filtration. A water test kit helps you to know what's going on in your water and is a fun way of spending time with your tank if your budget can stretch to one. 👍

[@nyemaelliott194]

@@DanielKeepingFish awesome thanks! That makes sense!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

@@nyemaelliott194 no worries bud.

[@franmorr1966]

Will they eat the brown algae-diatoms? I think I did hear you say yes to that.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

Yes, They luv Brown Algae. Figure 1 for every 10 Gallons. They are Surface Grazers, so it's more about the Glass Area and decorations. I have 5 in 65 USG, and I occasionally add Hikari Algae Wafer to supplement their Diet. Besides, I have a few other species that like those too.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

They tend to graze alone. The only time they shoal is when I do water changes.

[@franmorr1966]

@@apaulmcdonough2170 Thank you. I have an 120 gallon and lots of brown algae. Not sure if it’s a lighting issue or phosphate. I’m in the process of ordering a test kit. The aquarium is not a new setup. Browne algae has always been an issue. I do not have live plants.

[@apaulmcdonough2170]

@@franmorr1966 Brown Algae loves NitrAte, Phosphate and any pH above 6.0. Get yourself about 8 Otos and if you have larger fish, provide a narrow diameter tunnel hide to give them a safe refuge. They'll do okay with any pH at 7.6 or below.

[@franmorr1966]

@@apaulmcdonough2170 Thank you so much for your replies. Nitrate has always been problemsome but I def keep it under 20 ppm. I only have two older silver dollars, 4 clown loaches-two under four inches and two under two inches. 3 yo-yos under three inches and 10 cherry barbs. I have a Fluval FX6 packed with Fluval Matrix that I only clean three times a year because it is the most cumbersome thing to clean! I would just like to add a red-tailed black shark and another school of tetras or barbs and be done with it. I do water changes every 7-10 days, roughly 50%.

[@leeandmandybattersby5958]

i am loving these fish wonder how they would be with my corydoras and key hole cichlids

[@DanielKeepingFish]

I've kept them with both without any problems bud.

[@mgtoz]

After purchasing, should they acclamate in their own tank for some time or will they settle into an established tank right away? Thanks!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

If you have other fish it's always a good idea to quarantine new ones before adding them if you're able. Just in case they have any disease, paracite, etc that you don't notice at first. Not everyone has that luxury though and even if so might not have an established quarantine tank available and these guys really do need to be put into an established aquarium as soon as possible so that may help you make your decision. 👍

[@mgtoz]

@@DanielKeepingFish appreciate your advice

[@Adultskater]

I tried to add them to my tank but of the fish was terrorizing it over night after I thought they were okay. Looks like the tail’s been nibbled on- I feel so bad! I separated them of course. Will it be okay missing some tail?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

If your water is clean and there is no infection it should grow back fine. That's a shame you've had that experience with a mean fish. What type of fish was it if you don't mind me asking?

[@Adultskater]

Daniel Keeping Fish I have a community tank with neon tetras, snails and one male betta. I’m sure it’s the betta- I’ve had success with the other fish with him but I guess he didn’t like the poor oto cat 😢

[@DanielKeepingFish]

@@Adultskater ah yes I'd put my money on the Beta too. They can be a bit dicey. Half the time they're dead chill and the rest of the time they're murderous. I've found them to be okay with Ottos most of the time so don't be too hard on yourself. Hope your Otto recovers quickly and the tail grows back soon.

[@Shaden0040]

Do they need any wood like some plecos do?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

No they don't need wood to graze on like Plcos bud.

[@obryan240]

Kept them with bettas, goldfish and guppies in unheated tanks back in the 1980s. Got a couple years atleast from each.

[@highlandsgirl3920]

I've never kept these fish but they are cute. I've noticed you never talk about plants Daniel ? Is it something you might do in the future ?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Morning HG. I did a video having a wee look at Amazon Frogbit a few weeks back. It's in the species profile playlist and I have a few part-recorded on a couple of other plants that I'll need to get finished. Problem with plants is it can take them a while to do what you want them to do to get the footage you want. 😂 I'll get onto it but and try to start doing plants a bit more regularly. 👍

[@bentleytelles7295]

Can they live with a honey gourami I know they can be with shrimps snails and chili rasboras from the video background but I just want to make sure they will live there best life

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They should be fine unless you have a particularly bad tempered Honey Gourami. I've kept some Gourami that will chase anything they see but generally Honey Gourami are fine with Otocinclus especially if the rank is nicely planted of there's plenty of scape for the Ottos to relax in if they feel they need to.

[@jenniferahough4983]

These, Kuhlis and corys ate my favourite all time fish. Can watch them for hours

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They'd all be high on my list too. Regrettably I keep snails in all my tanks so Kuhlis aren't an option for me but have kept them a few times previously. Might need to set up a tank just for them, you reminded me how much I love them there.

[@AquariumCop]

I love them , however when i do see them they only have 2... i want 7 or more at a time. Most of the time they need treatment in a seperate tank. ✌💞👊 Thanks for the info matey ! 🙌

[@AquariumCop]

Safe safe safe .. got to love em when they are healthy - their bellys and body colors are adorable !! 🐈

[@DanielKeepingFish]

They are adorable in their colours but in their nature too. That's a shame you can only find a couple at a time mate. Hopefully you'll be able to find a group all together at some point. They'd make great back up dancers in one of your amazing music videos. 🎶😜🎵

[@yewsi]

Zoil?

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Not entirely sure what you mean bud.

[@jessicasinclair323]

The only problem with ottos is netting them! They get stuck in them. Only time I have lost them. Otherwise had no problems with them

[@soggyfries4347]

My frogs play hop scotch over them and the shrimp like to use them for stairs. WTF??

[@bojohannesen4352]

Fiskekage