RobinOfTT

As the subject line suggests, I'm thinking of adding otos and shrimp to my 55g tank. Will they be okay with my RTS roaming and ruling the bottom of the tank?

TFA101

Your otos will be fine. Add them in groups of 5+ for maximum protection and security. The ghost shrimps might not be able to hold their own.

zambize

I've been researching RTBS for hours on end because I'm thinking of getting my first RTBS. I've seen it mentioned many times that an RTBS won't do well with Otocinclus for two reasons, 1) they remain mostly on the bottom and not only will the RTBS protect his cave, but he'll protect the space around it, and 2) RTBS notoriously do not like fish shaped like another shark, so no fish with long, slim bodies. I have Otocinclus too and have decided to move them when my shark is ready for the big tank. It's just what I've read. And remember that the Otocinclus is sensitive to stress.

It's easy to think that the Otocinclus would do fine because it is so passive and so many fish do well with them. If you're looking for a bottom-feeder, the shark will eat off the bottom and many sites agree that most Cory will get along with most RTBS. I've got a juvenile RTBS and 5 Leopard Cory (False Julii's) and there isn't a problem....although the RTBS will get more aggressive as an adult.

My 2 cents,
Zambize

Zambize