Ototsinklusy: characteristic, varieties, care and reproduction

For decorative fish farming today, various species and breeds of representatives of river or marine fauna are acquired. Among such a variety, it is worth highlighting the otocinclus, which are represented in a large species diversity. A unifying feature of all species is the ability to clean aquariums.

Ototsinklus is a fish from the genus of chain mail catfish, which is found in the natural environment in the countries of South America. In addition to the main name (Otocinclus), it is usually called simply - oto. This catfish is great for aquarium breeding because notable for its small sizeIn addition, it is this inhabitant who is considered one of the best fighters with vegetation in the aquarium, since it feeds mainly on algae and bloom. This point should be considered by the aquarist in the first place, since in new tanks with a lack of flora such an inhabitant may simply die of starvation.

Argentina, as well as Venezuela, is considered to be the birthplace of oto and its varieties; certain species of small catfishes are found in Brazil and Peru. In the wild, otocinxluses inhabit the coastal parts of rivers and streams, where there is clean water and a moderate flow. Most of the time, the fish are busy eating vegetation at the bottom, which is distinguished by small shoots and leaves.

Ototsinkljus has an elongated body, when viewed from above, it will seem slightly flattened. At the top is a bone formation resembling a shell, which acts as a good defense. Without protection, only the abdominal part remains in fish of this species. On the face are quite expressive eyes, which often blink, as well as a mouth that has the structure of a sucker. With the help of such a structurally special organ, it attaches to the surfaces of algae, stones, snags and other fish, scraping food from them.

According to its color, the fish may be silvery or have a golden tint of scales; whitish stains without clear contours may be present at the top. On the sides along the body of the oto there is a darker strip. The size of oto in the natural environment and in the conditions of the tanks does not differ, therefore, it varies within 4-6 centimeters. The average life expectancy of catfish is 6-7 years.

Such river inhabitants are notable for the presence of not only gill, but also intestinal respiration. The latter option is used by them exclusively if necessary, therefore it is secondary. Determine the sex of the fish will be possible when examining an individual from above. Ototsinkllyusov well-developed sexual dimorphism, in the light of which the female representatives will be much larger and wider than males. At the same time, the latter are not inherent in the roundness of the body, they can be described as more elegant fish.

Today, aquarists have about two dozen species of oto, many of which can be maintained and bred at home. All of them are very similar to each other, the differences are only in slight deviations regarding the size and color of the fish. Most often, the following species are bred in aquariums.

The most common type of catfish, which is often called common. The fish are quite small in size - adults, as a rule, grow up to only 4 centimeters. Among the cleaners, this is the most popular river individual. The color of the catfish of this species will be mainly silver with a yellow tint, while the side strip is painted brown. On the back there are marble or brown blotches, while the fins will be transparent with green.

Very often, inexperienced consultants and aquarists combine this species with the previous one. However, in reality, individuals are divided into two separate varieties. Fish can be distinguished by the presence of spots on the body, painted in dark brown shades.

Catfish of this species stand out with an olive body color interspersed with gray and yellow tones. Dark spots should be present on the back of the fish in large numbers. Also, individuals of this species have heterogeneous stripes on the sides.

The smallest representatives of cleaners, the size of which usually does not exceed 2 centimeters. Such fish are recommended to be kept only in small aquariums.

In addition, the following species of these fish are found in pet stores:

• otocinclus macropilus;
• otocinclus ancistrus;
• otocinclus wittatus;
• otocinclus negros.

Aquarists characterize this type of ornamental fish as difficult to breed for inexperienced breeders. Besides, when choosing catfish-cleaners, some knowledge will be required regarding otocinclus and their characteristics. Before buying, you should find out what the existing representatives of the genus eat, you should observe their behavior in the aquarium for some time. A good young must be active, as well as have a uniform body color.

To avoid unpleasant situations when they die soon after the purchase, they are recommended to be additionally fed, the optimal number of meals will be 3-4 times a day. All acquired catfish must be quarantined, so the first time they should be kept in a separate containerdesigned for 30-40 liters, with good aeration, filter and regular fluid replacement.

As mentioned above, a feature of this type of catfish is the need to keep flocks even in a closed tank. Therefore, individuals that are difficult to care for and breed should be in the aquarium for at least three. An ideal and suitable option for catfish is a clean and actively developing herbalist, where a small but regular course will be present.

The only requirement after acclimatization will be the issue of compliance with water quality. The fluid should be regularly cleaned and filtered. Typically, a weekly replacement is carried out at least a third of the total volume of water in the tank.

The presence of oxygen is important for otocincluses, so aeration of the liquid will be the main condition for their content. It is better to place algae in the tank densely so that catfish always have food nearby. As for lighting, it does not interfere with this type of catfish, in addition, regular light will positively affect the growth of vegetation inside, as well as the appearance of green plaque - the main source of food for catfish.

For cleaners, the presence of snags in aquariums, as well as stones with polished sides, is important. These items will also be in demand for fish in terms of food and cleaning from plaque. As for the soil, it is best to place sand or any other material at the bottom, but be sure to fine fraction and without the presence of sharp components.

In light of the fact that the otocinclus is not remarkable for its size, they do not need a large aquarium for their maintenance, it is enough to have a tank for 20-30 liters of water. However, flocks in excess of 10 pieces will require a double capacity increase.

In order to provide the otocinclus with the right conditions for development, special attention must be paid to the condition of the aquarium in which they are kept. So, miniature catfish will live only in a clean container with clean water. Therefore, cleaning the fish tank should be regular - at least 1 time per week. With properly organized filtration and aeration, tap water can be used, but at least a third should be changed.

Oto - herbivorous fish that feed almost constantly, even at night. Despite the dense vegetation inside the aquarium, they will need additional feeding, since with a large number of individuals in the pack, in a short period of time they are able to clear even 300-liter capacity from plaque, after which the catfish begins to starve. In some cases, otocinclusions eat up mucus and microorganisms even from fish living in their neighborhood - usually these are scalars, discus, Siamese algae.

As a supplement, in addition to those located inside the algae, blanched vegetables should be given. It is allowed to introduce zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, cabbage into the diet of cleaners. Usually small pieces of goodies are attached to the wall of the aquarium with a clip-clothespin or placed at the bottom, fixing with an elastic band to the stone, for example.Food debris should not be in the aquarium for more than two days, so as not to pollute the water.

You can also use industrial fish feed from the series as a supplement Algae Wafers. It will be possible to determine that the inhabitants of the aquarium do not need third-party feeding, if they ignore the introduced products.

A miniature catfish is able to reproduce on its own, sometimes the owner of the aquarium learns about this already upon the appearance of new "residents" in the tank. The fry are developing quite rapidly, as a rule, after 2-3 days it will be difficult to distinguish them from adult sexually mature representatives of a swarm of cleaners. Females of otocinclus are able to do caviar several times a season.

To artificially stimulate the reproduction of fish, it is recommended to introduce high-quality protein top dressing in their diet, as well as to ensure the constant presence of microorganisms in the water. For these purposes, bloodworms or euglena can be used.

To create a separate spawning, you can put individuals in a small container with a displacement of 20-30 liters without soil with a filter sponge. The latter can be Javanese moss and small plants. 2-3 males can be planted for one female.

When the spawning is over, parents can be transplanted back, then ensuring the availability of food for fry in the aquarium and the water temperature at + 26-28 degrees. Typically, the female lays about 60 eggs. In some cases, a small sheet from an aquarium plant is used as a nest. The fry are fed starter feed, seaweed, spinach.

Oto are considered universal decorative fish, because they are compatible with any other peaceful breeds. However, difficulties with joint maintenance may arise with cichlids and Siamese algae-eater, large aggressive individuals.

See more about the features of the content of otocinclus in the next video.