mrs.bigeddi

I had 2 ottos. One died the other day and the 2nd one has been hiding ever since. I thought she was just lonely without her buddy. But, today she came out and I saw how big she had gotten. (I wasn't aware of the sex until today.) What can I do? She looks uncomfortable. Will she throw the eggs without a male?

Lucy

Hi mrs bigeddi

Are you sure she's holding eggs?
It would help the other members help you if you could post what size tank, what other fish are in it and what your readings are for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

Sorry for all the question, but the answers will help and if you could get a pic up, that would be great.

Good luck.

mrs.bigeddi

I'm not positive she has eggs, but ... I don't have a water kit so I can't tell you the readings. I have a 10 gal tank. I know it's small, but it was a place to start. I have 3 kulhis and 3 glo fish with the otto. I might be overpopulated or have just enough. Either way, I just can't believe how fat she has gotten in the last week. She used to be happy and moving all over the tank, just cleaning and doing the otto thing. But now, all she does is hide behind the water filter.

Lucy

I don't know why, but I like smaller tanks, I have 2 10's and 5 while my 30 sits empty. lol

I forgot to ask how old the tank was and if was cycled, sorry.
How long have you had the ottos?

You are a bit over stocked kulhis get to be 2".....cool fish by the way. Glo fish, the fluorescent ones? can get to be 2" and ottos, about the same 2".

I'm not knowledgeable about ottos but have read here on the forum that you have to keep up with your water in order for them to survive.

I'd start with a nice water change and get a test kit, the API liquid test is highly recommended by a lot of members.

Let's see what other's have to say, but the water change can't hurt anything.

mrs.bigeddi

Thanks Lucy. I've had the tank since May and the ottos, shortly after. He is the first to die, and I hope the last. I do a partial water change once a week and vac the bottom. Sorry I can't get a pic up. I'm not sure of how.

fishbum

I have ottos in a few tanks,and they are touchy when in comes to water.It helps if you get them after the tank has been set up for a few months and the filter has matured.As far as the one you have being a little fat and sluggish,it could be holding eggs,it could just have eaten too much and is now uncomfortable,or it could have a disease.I would do a water change today,and then again in 2 or 3 days and see how it is doing then.Having a test kit would help also.Knowing if the ammonia,nitrite,and nitrates are high,could help to determine if it could have been poisioned.API master test kits are the way to go IMO.They have everything you need in one kit.And it is cheaper than buying the kits individually.Stay away from the test strips.They are cheap for a reason,they are notorius for giving false readings.
Even though you are a little over stocked,I would get another oto.They like to be in schools.With that said,1 of my tanks is a 10 gallon and I keep 2 in it.They seem to do just fine as a pair.But I do not think keeping them as a single is a good idea.Once you get a test kit,test the water every other day at first,and if you have any ammonia or nitrite readings,you might want to consider upgrading your filter.

Lucy

yeah, it's sad to lose a fish. Ottos are cute, but I don't have room for them.
Step up the water changes and get a test kit, a lot of times illness can be traced back to water quality.

Is she eating? Pooing? Just a guess here, but maybe she's constipated, you can try giving her a little peice of pea for a couple of days or fasting her. I've also read they do better in schools, but you don't have room for anymore.

Here's a link to upload pics:
How Do I: Attach Pictures to my post

joy613

I have oto cats myself...3 look nice and round then my skinny one is the one I worry about. I reseach stuff to death before I buy anything especially my fish. http://www.otocinclus.com go down to faq that has a question like yours. I think it is important to have at least 2 otos I have found once I am down to one it usually dies in about 2 months probably from stress being they like to live in numbers.

mrs.bigeddi

Thanks to everyone for their ideas and links. But, if she is carring eggs, what will happen without the male being around?

joy613

Usually the body will absorb the eggs or they will jut expel them into the water. Either way it is natures way of taking care of it.

Lucy

Remember I know very little about this, but I've read that if this is the case, she will either absorb or expel them.

Edit: Thanks Joy, we posted at the same time, and I wasn't sure about my answer.

mrs.bigeddi

Thanks. I'm just a little worried about her. I think I will get her a friend and buy a test kit. I'm trying to talk my husband into a bigger tank.

Lucy

Don't waste you money on the strips, get the API, it's very accurate and will last a long time.
Good idea about the larger tank, I think the loaches especially need it.
Take a look at Craig's List, there's usually bargins to be found there.

Good luck, let us know how she's doing.

COBettaCouple

She'd definitely be happier in a tank with at least 1 or 2 others.

mrs.bigeddi

I took your advice and got another otto. It took awhile for them to discover each other, but now she isn't hiding anymore. I'm happy she has a new friend.

Lucy

Awww, that's nice to hear. Keep us informed! Got any pics?

COBettaCouple

Cool!

fishbum

Very cool.Ottos can actually over eat if they have enough to feed on.Does yours still have a big belly?