Golden Oto (Otocinclus affinis)
| Golden Oto Otocinclus affinis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Golden Oto |
| Name Lat. | Otocinclus affinis |
| Synonym | Macrotocinclus affinis |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Forest streams |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 5.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 1-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.5" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 18-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Lesser earless catfish are widely distributed in the waters of southeastern Brazil. They live in forest streams and small rivers, with dense riparian vegetation, among dead wood and aquatic plants.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting with roots that provide hiding places and at the same time are part of their diet. A sandy substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves), subdued light (floating plants) and a weak current 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 Eared Loricariids should be kept together. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females are slightly larger and rounder.
Reproduction and breeding
The spawn is attached to plants, panes or other substrate. The larvae hatch after 2-3 days. The parents do not engage in 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
They are excellent algae cleaners, but aquarium plants are not damaged.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source (fiber).
They also have intestinal respiration to survive in oxygen-poor waters and sometimes come to the water surface for air even in the oxygen-rich aquarium.
When catching them, use nets with as fine a mesh as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins do not get caught.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has 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: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF