In my bigger tank, I have a group of 5 otos, 2 I have had for ages and 3 newer ones (had them maybe 6-8 weeks). There has always been one of the newer guys who was significantly smaller than the rest, and I have always assumed that in the competition for food, he is last in the queue 
There isn't much algae in the tank (what do you expect with 5 otos and a BN plec?!) but the otos seem to be happy enough to supplement their diet with algae wafers and the veggies I put in for the BN. Not sure if this little one gets much of a look in though, he is barely an inch long and very thin.
Today I caught sight of him lying belly up on the gravel, and thought he was dead. But when I got him in the net, he was actually still breathing. Not knowing what to do for the best, I laid him gently back down on the gravel near the front. 30 minutes later he was still there, still breathing but not moving.
The oto is much darker in colour than the others, but no other marks on the body, no spots or anything. Other 4 appear to be fine.
Do you think its starvation, or could it be linked with the problems I had with my platy earlier in the week (see separate thread in this section)? The platy was out and about this morning and looking much better, but I'm thinking of treating with an anti-bacterial med as a precaution.
And do you think I should put this little guy out of his misery, or let nature take its course?
There isn't much algae in the tank (what do you expect with 5 otos and a BN plec?!) but the otos seem to be happy enough to supplement their diet with algae wafers and the veggies I put in for the BN. Not sure if this little one gets much of a look in though, he is barely an inch long and very thin.
Today I caught sight of him lying belly up on the gravel, and thought he was dead. But when I got him in the net, he was actually still breathing. Not knowing what to do for the best, I laid him gently back down on the gravel near the front. 30 minutes later he was still there, still breathing but not moving.
The oto is much darker in colour than the others, but no other marks on the body, no spots or anything. Other 4 appear to be fine.
Do you think its starvation, or could it be linked with the problems I had with my platy earlier in the week (see separate thread in this section)? The platy was out and about this morning and looking much better, but I'm thinking of treating with an anti-bacterial med as a precaution.
And do you think I should put this little guy out of his misery, or let nature take its course?
I can't believe the little one survived, it was lying on its back struggling for breath and unable to swim, and now it is absolutely fine again 
