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Old June 22nd, 2009  
Fish Lore Newbie
 
Oto's hiding

I'm just wondering what I can do so that I can see my oto's from time to tiem.

My oto's hide all the time in my 10 gal has a betta and Neon's with 4 Otos. It's planted and they do come out when I have a blanched zuchini in the tank, however otherwise I have a coconut cave in there and they stay inside almost the whole day, never see them around.

I know they're alive as i have moved the coconut a few times and they all fly outta there pretty quick once that happens.

I have a plastic house in there as well which they sometimes hide in. Anything i could do to encourage them to leave the coconut, other than remove the coconut (which i am considering, but would like to keep it)
DragonFlame is offline  
Old June 22nd, 2009  
Moderator
 
welcome to fishlore!!hmm thats weird..my guys are out sucking on something at all times..have you tested the water parimeters lately? the betta might not be playing nice with them either...are they new to the tank? could be adjusting also ...I hope they get more lively!
Shawnie is offline  
Old June 22nd, 2009  
Fish Lore Newbie
 
Thanks for the welcome

Well really the oto's were fine with the betta i had them together for 2-3 weeks and they all swam around, stayed on leaves and stuff. Though when i got some neons they seemed to hide all the time.

Maybe afraid of neons? I know the betta doesn't bug 'em, my betta sits on the zuchini while the oto's eat it sometimes doesn't do anything to them.
DragonFlame is offline  
Old September 6th, 2009  
Fish Bum
 
I have the same problem with my Oto (Kitten) too.
The tank is a 5 US gallon that's been set up for over a year with a Black Khuli Loach, just added an Electric Blue Ram a few days ago.
I have had Kitten at least 6 months (replacement for previous Oto who died for unknown reasons ) and he hides inside the same plant all day and only comes out at night. My previous Oto would always be out during the day and the ones I see in stores are too, but I just figured Kitten was a rare exception.
I am not worried about the strange behavior since he is eating and active (when its dark).
animegirlalways is offline  
Old October 8th, 2009  
Fish Lore Newbie
 
Otocinclus aren't the bravest of fish. They can be quite shy, but as they get used to the tank, they seem to come out more often. (my otos even swim with my speedy Danios!) There could be something that's scaring them, or the water conditions might not be quite right. Almost all Otocinclus are wild-caught, and are extremely stressed in the process. It doesn't help that the catchers use a chemical (cyanide) to slow down and hinder the fish for easier catching. This, along with often inadequate diet at the pet store, contributes to the Otocinclus' stress and shyness. Make sure your tank water is right, too:

pH : 6 - 7.5

Temperature : 70°F - 78°F (21°C - 26°C)

Water Hardness : 6° to 15° dH

If the Betta isn't bothering them, it's unlikely the Neons are. Neon Tetras are quite peaceful... The otos are most likely hiding in the coconut because either it's hidden from other fish, or there's microorganisms growing in the shell.

Four otos in a 10 gallon is quite a bit...
Nate the Fishkeeper is offline  
Old October 8th, 2009  
Moderator
 
Please check the dates before replying.
This thread is pretty old, I'm sure the situation has been resolved.

Thanks!
Lucy is offline  
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