Quick Question About Otos

[DevUK]

Ok, very quick question hopefully Are otos easy to get mixed up with other catfish? I mean, I've seen some at my local P@H but they aren't labelled, so I want to be sure. I'm thinking some might make a useful addition to my 180 litre tank as I have a little dust algae they might clean up for me. I don't want to end up with random fish that cause problems. Are there any other fish that look similar?

 

[loachman]

Ok, very quick question hopefully Are otos easy to get mixed up with other catfish? I mean, I've seen some at my local P@H but they aren't labelled, so I want to be sure. I'm thinking some might make a useful addition to my 180 litre tank as I have a little dust algae they might clean up for me. I don't want to end up with random fish that cause problems. Are there any other fish that look similar?

occasionally you'll get chinese algae eaters labelled as ottos (chinese algae eaters get called any of about 1/2 dozen incorrect names), but in reality ottos are pretty easy to tell apart from other fish.

There are a couple species of otto that are nearly identical to one another though IIRC (in terms of temperament, care, appearance, etc.).

 

[DevUK]

Ok, very quick question hopefully Are otos easy to get mixed up with other catfish? I mean, I've seen some at my local P@H but they aren't labelled, so I want to be sure. I'm thinking some might make a useful addition to my 180 litre tank as I have a little dust algae they might clean up for me. I don't want to end up with random fish that cause problems. Are there any other fish that look similar?

occasionally you'll get chinese algae eaters labelled as ottos (chinese algae eaters get called any of about 1/2 dozen incorrect names), but in reality ottos are pretty easy to tell apart from other fish.

There are a couple species of otto that are nearly identical to one another though IIRC (in terms of temperament, care, appearance, etc.).

Ah thats great. Otos seem to have that large head and slim tail. I know all about CAEs... I have a 5" CAE in my tank He's really settled down this last few months and seems very happy now.

Ok, I'm going to do some research on the little fellows and consider a purchase Thanks for the info!

 

[Maxta]

Yeah theyre easier to tell. Arent chinese algae eaters usually longer? The ones iv seen are at my local P@H.

I bought one to keep algae away, but he wasnt enough on his own, so i bought another, and they love each other they follow each other everywhere. And so far since cleaning my tank getting back off holiday, no algae on the glass.

 

[SuperColey1]

CAE have a clear tail.

The usual species of Oto (I think there are 3) Have black lines in their tail and normall a large black spot where the tail joins the abdomen.

They also have a continuous black line along their body which CAE dont usually have.

Have a look on some other sites at Otos. I bought some from Pleco Aquatics and some from an LFS and the LFS ones are smaller and definately a different species as they dont have the white line above the black line wheras the pleco aquatics ones do.

You will definately know the difference between CAE and Otos when you see them next to each other.

The CAE will have a slight tint of colour to his scales and look like his line is either a series of circles or zigzagged.

The Oto is white underneath, then the black (and white on some species) line then a mottled grey back.

Andy

 

[BigC]

Here is a pic of an Otto in my tank.

and here are a couple of variants

Regards
BigC

 

[Maxta]

Here is a pic of an Otto in my tank.

Regards
BigC

And my two look exactly like that

 

[ICEEGRL]

I love the green!