Otocinclus

from Wikipedia:
Otocinclus is a genus of catfish (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae commonly called Dwarf Suckers or Otos. Otocinclus originate from tropical, freshwater rivers in South America.





Otocinclus macrospilus


Otocinclus are a popular aquarium fish. They are often purchased as algae eaters, and are more suitable for the job in smaller aquaria than many of the larger Loricariid relatives such as plecostomus. Water quality should be kept clean for these fish. As otos like company, they should be kept in groups, unlike most other plecos.[

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I got three of these yesterday at R21 rand each, but read and knew i was buying these at risk since i've read quite a few topics in which it is said by the new owners that otos die easily, sadly of the three i bought, one one lived through the night.


Hopefully next time i will have better luck.



"from Otocinclus.com:

Introduction

One of the biggest problems of trying to keeping Otocinclus catfish is during the first month of ownership. After that, if they are still alive they should remain so unless major mistakes are made by the fishkeeper. Otocinclus start out at the fish store in bad shape.
There are countless reports of fishkeepers losing Otocinclus in the first few weeks of obtaining them. It doesn't seem to matter what type of tank the new fish are introduced to, they still drop like flies. Sometimes the entire group is lost, and at other times it's only a few. What's the deal?
Chemical Poisoning

Most hobbyists believe the trouble in keeping Otocinclus alive initially has to do with the whole capture/shipment process. Have you ever tried to net an Otocinclus among driftwood or heavily planted tanks? It's nearly impossible! Now imagine trying to catch otocinclus with a large net in a body of water filled with plants, driftwood, and rocks. That's exactly what the fish gatherers in South America are up against.
It is our belief that certain chemicals (Cyanide?) are added to the water either upstream or in a general area to slow down or temporarily paralyze these frisky little critters. The fish gatherers are then able to net them from the water in this weakened state. These chemicals could produce permanent damage to internal organs (such as the liver) and sometimes we will see hemorrhaging in the lower abdominal area in some stock.
Needless to say, I think it is wrong of the fish import industry to allow this to continue to happen, but we also are in an industry where certain fish are painted or injected with dye, or "soaked" to produce a more brightly colored fish. As long as people will purchase these fish, the industry will continue to produce them. Otocinclus are harvested in such large numbers that they remain one of the cheapest catfish (and therefore expendable according to importers) to buy. Only in serious hobbyist circles are tank-raised otocinclus considered to be much more valuable than their wild brethren. They were never poisoned so they live as long as most other tropical fish (5 years or more.)
Starving

Another reason why Otocinclus are in such bad shape in fish stores is that they are most often starving. As mentioned on the Feeding page, Otocinclus need to be constantly feeding in order to be healthy. The algae-free tanks within holding points at the exporter stations, not to mention the tanks at the store, are scraped clean on a regular basis which is not the right conditions for Otos to find some food to eat. Unless the Otocinclus are provided with vegetables (zucchini) or at the very least algae tablets at the fish store, they won't last long in the tanks there.
What can we do?

So what can we do to help get these poor fish off to a good start in our tanks? Two main aspects we need to be attention to are clean water and lots of food.
Since Otocinclus are stressed (indeed what fish wouldn't be?) from being kept in crowded fish store conditions, not to mention the ride home to your tank, it's important to keep the water they are going to live in as clean as possible. This means NO Ammonia, NO Nitrites, and very low Nitrates (<20 ppm). This can really only be done with nice large water changes done frequently.
Keeping Otocinclus well fed is also important. In the beginning they'll most likely be starving so it is important to introduce food immediately. This could be done by putting them in a tank filled with brown (diatom) algae. The excellent Little Monkeys article suggests this method. If you do not have a tank with brown or green algae then fresh vegetables should suffice.
Picking Healthy Otocinclus

It's also important to pick healthy Otocinclus right from the get go. Due to the high mortality rate with otos it is a good idea to make sure the stock has been with the fish store for a couple weeks. Although it sounds harsh, this will "weed" out the weaker ones that don't have a chance of survival anywhere.
A lot of otocinclus are in the store with worn fins, especially the caudal fin. Ideally the caudal fin should come to two sharp points on the edges, but in most cases they are rounded. This could be from stress or damage during shipment. In either case, most otos I've seen for sale have worn fins and unless it is severe don't worry about it too much. They should grow out fine if your tank parameters are good.
Another good sign is if the otos in the store tank look well fed. Ask the store clerk what they are feeding the otocinclus... if they give you a blank stare or say "Flake food" then take your business elsewhere. When the fish have nice rounded bellies it usually means they are being fed. But not all rounded bellies are equal. If the otocinclus has a HUGE belly and looks as though it swallowed a marble it's possible it may have a bacterial infection and not be overfed.
Conclusion

I hope this page doesn't scare you away from purchasing these wonderful fish. They are really only fragile in the beginning. If your oto lasts for over a month, chances are that it will last a good long time if properly taken care of. They really are worth the effort in the beginning, and will provide much enjoyment for a long time thereafter.."

 

Anyone know where they can be purchased cheaply?

since they are such delicate dwarf suckers, apparently, i dont want to pay something like 20 rand each if the chances are high that some will die through the night or the first month
( i know all fish have the risk, but these apparently have a higher risk)

"Otocinclus are harvested in such large numbers that they remain one of the cheapest catfish (and therefore expendable according to importers) to buy"

Anyone know of an importer/seller that actually follows this pricing idea?

 

When your LFS brings some in, book a handful (ie: put down a payment). Then over the next one or two weeks, check up on the batch and ensure they feeding and being fed the right foods. Then you know they are healthy, and should have a much greater success with them.

 

Don't be misled

There are a few, I'm sure.

Our import company does NOT follow this pricing idea.
We have far too much at stake. ie SURVIVAL

Those that do, are inconsistent for most of what I discuss below.

Again, this is just an overview, as I DO import aquarium fish regularly.

General published accounts are of countries with established, large imports of tropical fish.
READ: Cheaper freight, bigger orders, Many importers. You can exclude SA we do not feature in the top aquarium fish importer nations.

Also, even though on LISTS Otocinclus can be cheap, LESS are packed by Volume of water per package than , say Cardinal Tetras of similar export price.
HINT: Compare price of healthy cardinals to Otocinclus and allow for extra shipping.
Oto should be around R5-8 more than M/ML Cardinals

Factor in mortality, and actual landing, and then INVENTORY costs.
If they survive (however many or few) ,watch cost per unit skyrocket.

The misleading part is this:
Say $0.15ea, you think R1.20ea!!! But to land fish can cost another few rands.
To cover themselves on Loss , minimum import markup is around DOUBLE landed cost.
Expect wholesale for around R8-15ea for wildcaught.
SO retail would be following same principles ( remember no insurance, or refunds on livestock lost), and would sell for 18-30ea/

You R21ea is VERY well-priced.
But does NOT represent a GREAT DEAL wrt VALUE.( see below)
the instance of cheaper fish , are not many on a national scale.
Must admit it sucks thinking of your R63 Otocinclus..because THAT is exactly what it cost you to acquire!

For instance I brought in TANKBRED Otocinclus a month ago. They cost me more than wholesale price.
YET, ALL were RESOLD in less than 2days by MY WHOLESALE CLIENT , TO his LFS Cients. AND profit margin was justifiably LOWER! Knowing, we had a LOWER Risk inherent. UNLIKE unpredictable wild stock.

WHY pay more?
Zero or LOW DOA( at worst, 10%)
Wholesaler who distributed them for me, said he got NO BAD feedback.

BTW, those tankbred Otocinclus flexilis retailed for R25-35
Wholesale was around R20ea.

Different terms and conditions applied , as many LFS have variable pricing and incentives or discounts with their suppliers and clients.

If I had to retail tankbred Otocinclus , The WaterZoo would market them around R25ea.

PS I AM an importer and believe, a GOOD deal is a well-priced, OK specimen, that could survive...
A GREAT DEAL is a specimen, LESS LIKELY to vrek easily, however, you will pay higher acquisition cost.

Why pay less to play aquarium-style Russian Roulette !?

NOBODY WINS!
You just get to play another round, that's all !!!:blink1:

 

its not so much that i want "cheap fish" you see, its more in line with the almost guarantied risk of losing a few of your purchase, and its not like i can buy a few, and if they die withing the week, go back and get the dead ones replaced...

But its a really nice little fish, quite interesting colouring (dark and solid but transparent if you look up close), very relaxed temperament, doesn't eat plants, eats algea, and for a suckermouth catfish to be this small, its not something you see everyday.

The sad fact is the high risk of death will probably deter me from acquiring anymore again, unless it were a type of bundled sale of like 5 for 50 or somesuch loopy prices you know.

Who else has some oto's and what are your experiences with this delicate little sucker?

 

Yes that is it!

I am in agreement with you.
Maybe I was too wordy?

That is what I mean by Good or Great deals.
If they LIVE, we score, even if at a price premium.

But when they die
.....Like I said

Not to mention our emotional investment, whenever we get a new fish

Another way to ensure success, is a small QT with 24h light cycle, some HEALTHY tank water and clean aged tapwater.
Lots of oxygen, good filtration and at least you have most bases covered. Light on for about 1 week before getting any Oto.
You may use some ferts...we trying to grow suitable algae for aggressive, recuperative feeding until you wean them onto aquarium foods.

Have TWO QT and you automatically have a second treatment or Feeding tank.

Wait, let me show you how I maintain my Otocinclus, Wild Caught, that is. We still lose fish, but MUCH FEWER!

It takes about 2weeks before I sell to wholesaler for retail distribution.

just hope I took some pics

QT- quarantine tank

 

PHOTOCinclus

I posted some hints
..and a few pics HERE

 

after my two died, i bought the remaining two at the lfs. im happy to announce/ the original survivor and two companions are still alive and well. although they hide away alot. . .

 

unlucky , they are such nice cats

 

Hi Ferryman,

Glad to hear your new ottos are surviving. I'm sure they'll be fine now that they've had time to get established.

Does any here have any experience in breeding ottos?
I have 2 in my tank which lay eggs on the front glass almost every time I perform a water change. Unfortunately the eggs always disappear within a few days (I suspect my bristlenose sucks them up). I'd love to help them survive. Any ideas?

Cheers
Gordon

 

Hi Gordon,

If I were you I'd get a smaller tank to breed them in, and half fill it with water from your main tank and then refill the rest with fresh water. You could add the Oto's after you have the tank water in, and then slowly add the (treated) tap water until the tank is filled so to not suddenly shock the Otos!

That way at least they would be in their own tank so the eggs should stand a better chance of survival!

As for actually raising the fry, should you get that far, I'm not really sure on how best to do this, but I would guess they need infasora? Do a google search on raising oto fry and also how to make infasora. There was also a thread on here somewhere which discussed infasora, but I can't remember where??

Hope that helps a little??

Good Luck!! It would be great if you could raise some oto's!!

Cheers
G!

 

Thanks Big G. I'll give it a try!

 

Goodluck and please keep us updated as I would like to undertake a breeding project with these guys too

 

ferryman where did you get your otos? id love 2 or 3. i stil got loads of space in my 1.2m they may even help wit my algae problem

 

i got them from moolis (an inactive sponsor on here)
His shop is near frates weg, PetStop, if you need directions pm me, but for short reference, its where pierneef, frates (and jacobs i think) meet, there's a romans pizza there... rietvlei something or other...

 

Great going finding supply and having them survive dude!
I paid R30 each for mine, and have only 2 left alive.

@ Altum, how do I get your contact details to my local shop? I'd love to get some more Otos and you seem to be the man with the contacts to get tank-bred ones.

 

LOL

Pavillion Centre.