Mimulus Oto (Otocinclus mimulus)
| Mimulus Oto Otocinclus mimulus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Mimulus Oto |
| Name Lat. | Otocinclus mimulus |
| Family | Suckermouth Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Loricariidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Paraguay |
| Habitat | Streams, tributaries |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-5 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Spotted Earless Catfish are native to the Rio Monday watershed, a tributary of the Rio Parana in Paraguay. They live in forest streams and small rivers with dense riparian vegetation, among dead wood and aquatic plants.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a dense border planting with stones and roots that provide hiding places. A sandy substrate covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, beech), 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 small and peaceful fish as well as shrimps (Caridina). At least 5, but preferably more, Spotted Earless Catfish 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 females are slightly larger and rounder. With some experience, the sexes can be distinguished by their genital papillae
Reproduction and breeding
There are isolated reports of successful breeding in the aquarium. The spawn is attached to plants, panes or other substrate. The larvae hatch after 2-3 days. The parents do not perform brood care.
Juveniles 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. In their natural environment they co-occur with Corydoras dyphes, to which they are very similar in coloration and markings and are said to protect them from enemies. (Mimicry)
They also have intestinal respiration to survive in oxygen-poor waters and sometimes come to the water surface for air in the oxygen-rich aquarium.
The foliage (sea almond, beech, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and, when rotting, promotes the development of microorganisms, which are a valuable secondary food source. When fishing, use nets with as fine a mesh as possible so that the hard rays of the pectoral fins do not become entangled.
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: 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