Imported
Oto (Otocinclus Affinnis)
Native Location: South America
Climate: Tropical
Maximum Size: 2.5 – 5 cm (1 – 2 inches)
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore
Breeding: Difficult
Temperature Range: 22 – 26 (72 – 79)
Preferred pH Range: 6.8 – 7.5
Minimum Aquarium Size: 38L (10 gallons)
Potential Tankmates: Freshwater Angelfish, Cherry Barbs, Guppies
Care Level: Beginner
An Otos follow a strict herbivore diet mainly consisting of algae. But algae can run out fast for several reasons if your tank is well maintained. So, you will need to introduce other alternatives. Try algae wafers which, when introduced into the water, will disappear in a few hours. Green vegetables are also excellent alternatives, like spinach, lettuce and zucchini. Depending on how many Otos you keep, you will need to chop off a small piece or two and drop them in the tank. Make sure it sinks to the bottom and that you remove any remaining scraps 24 hours later to reduce waste in the aquarium. While you have to worry about Otos getting enough food, also be cautious about overfeeding them.
Otos are small and peaceful bottom-dwellers. Meaning they will get along with many other gentle species that occupy the mid to top sections of the aquarium. Their tiny stature can make them easier targets for larger fish.
They are great social creatures and need to be part of a group of at least four but will always prefer having more friends. As they are bottom-dwelling fish, the substrate will need to be fine gravel or sand to prevent injuries. Coarse grains can scratch their bodies and lead to health problems. They will also need shelters if they find themselves stressed. So, create little cave and crevices and have live vegetation. They are unlikely to eat your plants. These will also add more services for algae to spread over (perfect for an algae eater.)
It can be a task to tell the sexes apart. The best chance you have of noticing a difference is viewing them from above. From there, you should be able to see that the females are bigger bodied. Otos are not the easiest fish to breed in captivity. You will need some luck, and conditions more than perfect. Raising the temperature, a little should help, but do not exceed 26℃ (79℉). When they are ready to mate, males will chase females around the tank. Fertilised eggs are distributed in small bunches on surfaces around the tank. As Otos are herbivores, they will not eat their fry.
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, they are treated for any possible diseases and given a complete health check to make sure they are health, happy and eating well before being placed in our display aquariums, ready for sale.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document via a dated photo, water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels). Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or “disasters” i.e. a heater overheating. We recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium to prevent such situations.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping!
