Black Oto (Otothyropsis piribebuy)
| Black Oto Otothyropsis piribebuy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Black Oto |
| Name Lat. | Otothyropsis piribebuy |
| Synonym | Otocinclus sp. 'Negros' |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Paraguay |
| Habitat | Streams |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-4 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-1.6" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Small Brown Otocinclus is the catchment area of the Rio Piribebuy and the Río Aguaray in Paraguay. They live in forest streams and small rivers with dense, often overhanging riparian vegetation between dead wood and aquatic plants.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting with roots and stones that provide hiding places. A sandy substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak), subdued light (floating plants) and soft, slightly acidic water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones, wood, plants, etc. and the microorganisms contained therein. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets), supplemented with algae leaves, fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, bruised peas or scalded spinach, plus occasional small amounts of zooplankton, cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen)
Feed only as much as will be eaten within a few minutes, excluding plant foods. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are diurnal, live in small schools and are very suitable for a community tank with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more Small Brown Otocinclus should be kept together
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The males are slightly smaller than the more rounded females.
Reproduction and breeding
The breeding has already succeeded several times. The spawn is mostly attached to plants (substrate spawners). The larvae hatch after 2-3 days. The parents do not perform brood care.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (infusoria). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
When fishing, use as fine-meshed nets as possible so that the hard rays of the breast fins do not become entangled.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH value and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF