Poor Little Oto

[lildoc82]

I have an otocinclus who's not doing so hot. He/she is sitting at the back of the tank and its stomach is distended. I had two of them, and one was acting really sluggish and died a few days ago. It's stomach wasn't distended tho.

Here's what I have in my tank. 9 zebra danios, 4 red wagtail platies (1male, 3 females), 1 hitchiker pond snail, and 1 oto. It's a 10 gallon, I do water changes about every week and a half. I use Cycle, Aqua Plus water conditioner and plant grow for my java fern. I don't have a water testing kit so I don't know my parameters.

Can anyone help?

 

[Barry P]

Im having a similar problem, the FIRST thing i did was a complete water test. Everything came up rosey so i now know that the problem is not with my water....Ottos do not like high temp so anything above 28 degrees may be effecting them....CAN ANYONE BACK ME UP ON THIS..?

 

[rdd1952]

Actually, otos are prone to sudden death and it's usually not a good sign when otos do that. They spend most of their time attached to the tank walls or on a leaf. I have had no luck with them at all. How long have you had him (or them)? I would try feeding him some blanched cucumbers or zuchini to see if he will eat.

The main problem with otos is that they are all wild caught. When they finally arrive at your LFS, they usually experience about a 50% die off so you should always ask how long they've had them before you buy. If they haven't been there for 2 weeks you are best off if you wait for the die off to be complete.

They also are susceptible to poor water conditions. From looking at your stock list lildoc82, I'd say you are over stocked and that may be the root of your problems. How long has your tank been running? Take a water sample to your LFS and ask them to test for you. Also, invest in a good liquid master test kit. They only run about $25 and are well worth it if you want to keep your fish happy and healthy.

 

[lildoc82]

I've had them for over 2 weeks now, and this one was the healthier of the two. He was very active and I've fed them blanched zuchini, cucumber and some romaine.

I will go get a water testing kit and bring a sample to the pet store. Hopefully it's not my parameters, I don't think it is because the rest of my fish are very healthy and active. Oh, and my tank has been running for at least two months with no other casualties.

 

[rdd1952]

It may just be the otos. As I said, I had very little success with them despite the fact that my water parameters were perfect and I fed them plenty of veggies and also had algae for them. Good luck.

 

[lildoc82]

It may just be the otos. As I said, I had very little success with them despite the fact that my water parameters were perfect and I fed them plenty of veggies and also had algae for them. Good luck.

You could be right. Thanks for the help...I'm going this afternoon to get a water testing kit for sure.

 

[SnowJob]

If its any help, I've had poor luck with ottos myself, they tend to be very fragile and do die off for no obvious reason.

I agree your tank is a little overstocked also, keep up them water changes.

I run two 10gals myself and its not easy keeping them clean.

Ottos also like current from what I've read.