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well, got two new otos, and after about 2 days from introduction, they seem to be exceptionally fond of each other.
not only they tend to hang out together all the time, but one of them seems to gently "kiss" the other on the back (no sucking, just gentle touches), while the other doesn't mind (they tend to jolt when they're harrassed or being threatened).
the kisser is a little bit smaller an leaner than the other.
what is it?
is it mating behavior?
if it is, what should i do to help them?

[1] If you have a male/female pair preparing for spawning, then you need to provide them with increased current and more than usual regular water changes. Provided the powerheads you use don't turn the aquarium into a jacuzzi, of course! But strong currents will help, as in the wild, they live in flowing water.

[2] Make sure that there are broad leaved plants in the aquarium with them, such as Ludwigia, Hygrophyla or Water Wisteria. Documentation I have says that they preferentially lay their eggs on the underside of plant leaves of this kind.

[3] Start cooking up lots of Otocinclus Pet Rocks™ in jars on your windowsill to keep them happy with algae!

[4] Supplement the diet with something like freeze dried tubifex, or even live bloodworms (which mine have proven that they will eat).

[5] Also, if you can find it where you live, an excellent means of jkeeping egg fungus at bay is TetraMedica FungiStop, which is pruposely designed for nursery aquaria and the prevention of egg fungus. I use it and it works wonders!

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

but is it their mating behavior?

i do have an area of strong current and some thick bush, and i do have the ludwigia.

what is Otocinclus Pet Rock? i have some volcanic rocks in my tank, which seem to produce enough algea

Last edited by fry at 04-Oct-2004 07:19

Another plant the otos will lay eggs on is Cardamine.


The Amazon Nut...

Otocinclus Pet Rock™ ... a creation from the old archived threads I mentioned in several posts.

[1] Fill cleaned-out pickle jars (or equilvalent) with water.

[2] Immerse numerous small stones or small pieces of bogwood therein.

[3] Leave on windowsill for a few days in direct sunshine/natural daylight.

[4] When a nice coating of green fur appears, place said rocks/bogwood in aquarium with your Otocinclus, who will then munch happily on the algae.

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

cute! i'll try making those.

what is ottos mating behavior? how can i find out if they're are a couple?

According to the venerable Innes tome, catching Otocinclus mating is one of those exercises that requires 24 hour surveillance. And, their behaviour doesn't look that different from their usual bustling about, except that it's conducted at greater speed.

You'll have fun with these guys

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002