Leviticus

I'm thinking about getting an otto sometime in the future, does anyone know what common name they are sold under in Australia. The fish shop has lots of things called 'catfish' or 'algae eater', any idea what I should be looking for? I'd prefer a small tough sort.

I don't mean a cory cat (loveable though they are), and here plecos are called 'bristle nosed catfish' - they get far too big for what I want.

miker

Otocinclus is the common name here in US. Get atleast 2 as they like company.

Alasse

Otocinclus catfish is what they are called at my lfs.

There are all different types of plecos.....bristlenoses are the smaller type They don't get huge.

AggieYen

Hi Lev, here in Australia, you have to look for the ones called 'otos', or Otocinclus. They actually are quite difficult to track down, because once they come in, they get snapped up really, really quick. Bristle nosed plecos stay fairly small, and will do well in... 10-20 gallons (I think? Correct me if i'm wrong). The algae eaters more commonly found in Aussie tanks are Chinese Algae Eaters, which you do NOT want, because they're a meaaan variety of fish. Most fish stores don't say it's an oto, but if you specifically ask them for an otocinclus, or a oto, they'll know, or they should know what you're looking for.

Leviticus

Hi, thanks for the answers so far - according to this site plecos are the big fellows.

http://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Pleco.htm

Up to 18"! I am looking for a little tacker to put in my 60 liter tank.

Alasse

Most plecos are very large, but the bristlenose only get to around 4-6inches

Bristlenose Profile