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I got some otos last week for my new high light planted tank experiment. They are settling in just fine and are looking healthy, fat bellies and very active. They do have some really strange behaviours that I haven't seen in otos before so I thought I would post and see what people think.

One thing they like to do is dive bomb and play in the outlet flow for my DIY powered CO2. They take turns chasing each other against the current. I haven't seen any ill effects from the CO2 saturated water but does anyone know if it's safe for them to do this? I was really freaked out when I first saw them doing it.

They also have no fear and don't pay much attention to me outside of the tank, they don't hide or anything even if I'm banging a lot of stuff around in the room. Most of the time they ignore me completely and carry on playing and eating as usual. Otos I've had before have always been skittish but these guys are really brave.

The weirdest thing they do is rasp on my hands whenever I'm in the tank pruning or replanting or whatever. The first time they did it it scared me because I was moving some things around and felt something tickle my hand really lightly, looked down and I had a little oto stuck to my hand. They have done this about 3 times since I got them last week. Does anyone else have otos that explore their hands in the tank? I don't think they could be hungry, they all have fat bellies with the little intestinal swirls on them. I wonder why they do it.

Last edited by trystianity at 31-Jul-2005 07:26

the 1st 2 questions...yes..same experienced...the co2 will be just fine...theyll know their limit.

the rasping hand question....heck no...never happened to me...i guess...ur ottos r just too friendly....lucky u

Or maybe thay are kissing your hand & thanking you for bringing them to your tank.



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