Lucy

Gosh, they're so darn cute, I want to get a couple of them.

I'm going to start to grow some algae, although the 2 10g's get a fairly good coat between cleanings.

I've put a couple of amazon swords in the tetra tank and a couple of ludwigia in my betta tank in anticipation of getting them. I'm leery of adding anything to the betta tank, she's so happy by herself.

Not sure how well the swords will do, I have standard lighting and gravel with no plans to upgrade. If the plants don't do well can they survive with plastic plants?
I can't seem to find java moss or java fern (well, I can, but they were in a snail infested tank)
How about the java balls?

I've got a 1.5g and a 5g I can use a quarantine tank.
I can give them a little cave to hide in and maybe a fake plant.
Will they be ok with a bare bottom for a little while?

I've been reading the care sheet and most of the threads about them.
Anyone want to share their experience with them?

I thought I'd mention it here since my family has taken to rolling their eyes when I mention a new fish.

Edit: One more thing, when choosing them, should I choose the ones swimming from place to place or one that seems content attached to something?

Allie

The do better in groups of 3 or more. I have 3 in my 10g that Prince is in. Mine hardly notice the otos.
Ah the rolling eyes...we get that here too. lol

Butterfly

What Allie said
When buying Otos make sure the store has had them at least two weeks and their tummys are nice and fat.
carol

tkfury

Mine never seened to have a problem with fake plants. They were rather fond of some plastic fern like plants but since I've put some hydro in they've been all over it - we can actually count all eight from time to time now.

Haven't a clue about bare bottom though. Mine are rarely ever near the bottom but I do have a few that seem to like to rest on some of the small river stones I have scattered around the tank.

Lucy

Well, I may have to wait if 3's the magic number. 1 would be fine 2is squeezing it, 3 might be too much for my little tank.
Darn.
Thanks everyone.

Alessa

I have heard that they are ok, being just 2 and a lot of people keep them in that number... but again I am not sure. I have four in the 28 gallon and they sometimes split, two in one end and two in the other... sometimes they seem happy just having a buddy, but again, I am not sure.

I know they are awesome! and I found mine very hardy. (a little bag issue made the acclimation period shorter than expected) All four of the ones I got are still alive 2 months after, with their bellies fat and round! at the beginning they were picky on the hikary algae wafers, but they got use to them after a while.

I have observed they like big, flat, smooth rocks where to sit in the bottom. I also found that they hitch rides on snails which is hilarious to watch. I would say if youre getting them, get the "fat" looking ones (they look as if they just swallowed a pearl).

Lucy

That's what made me wonder, I have seen people have 2 but I wanted other opinions, you know how it is. lol

Even my neons, it's recommended that they be kept in schools, but after a couple of failed attempts to increase the number I have, I see mine are quite happy in a pair.

(Gotta get that 30g going someday)