worried about my oto loosing color

HI everyone. I know we've discussed Amanda's otos being pale recently, and our conclusion was that it was nothing to worry about, but I am REALLY noticing a change in my female. She's pale yellow, while the male has clear black and green/brown markings, like they should. I can't even see her stripe anymore. Her belly is nice and plump. A little too plump even (I hope for her she's not about to spawn again). The temp is around 24C, as they like it a little cool.

What I worry about is that they still have no algae in that tank, despite the light being on 14 hours/day. My algae farm project in the garden has had a few setbacks, so I need to wait at least 3 day to see if my latest attempt is more successful.

Any idea if she's sick? She has recently eaten spinach and some vitamin gel. Her more staple diet is cucumber and she's also recently had aubergine. I've left peas in her little cup now, to bring some green into her diet (cucumber and courgette's flesh may not give her enough green?)

 

OK, been doing a bit more research on otos again and the loosing colour/swollen belly (she has a massively swollen belly too) is not a good sign. Most people report death within 24hrs.

 

one of my oto's is now almost white ( with black ptterns of course) can't be good. At this point still alive but I don't hold out much hope! Any help out there?

 

Actually I have good news about my own female oto. I saw mine in teh gravel and she'd recuperated her colour. It was just that I saw her against the background of her white food bowl, basking in the neon light - I think even I'd look near translucent in that sort of lighting conditions...

If yours is really pale even against slightly darker backgrounds, then it may be worrying. They quote stress as main reason on the articles I've read. They also explain that stress could be from unsuitable water conditions such as n'ites/a'nia, or even high n'ates. Unsuitable temperature, aggression from other fish, unvaried diet (what does yours eat? Does your tank have any algae? I'd suggest you try an algae farm if it doesn't. Check here for a description ), lack of hiding places or lack of other fish to school with. I know it's a long list, but I'd start looking at diet.

 

sadly it died. that tank has brine shrimp, flakes, algae wafers,cucumber and peas.

 

Oh nooooooo. I'm sorry, Michelle.

 

It is a shame but i'm not sad ( don't mean to sound heartless but you know how it is) Have to say though since the poor sod died the other Oto and the 2 shrimps in that tank have been VERY active so I guess if we just watch nature they will tell us how it is!! Other must have been bad news to their health!!

 

hopefully all will fare well from here on out.

 

Well it seems like it's a better balance, then, right?

It is a shame but i'm not sad ( don't mean to sound heartless but you know how it is) Have to say though since the poor sod died the other Oto and the 2 shrimps in that tank have been VERY active so I guess if we just watch nature they will tell us how it is!! Other must have been bad news to their health!!

 

I think so. One of the shrimps has shed overnight, they definitely seem happier. The Guppies are always happy! they are crazy :;jk

 

sounds like things are going well now.