The rare and elusive oto

[Zagz]

That is so strange, I went to lfs tonight and they have over 20 of them.

 

[dax29]

IMO I think a lot of petstores and lfs don't like them due to high mortality rates. Otos need good water conditions and a lot of places that sell fish probably don't maintain water well. I think that they avoid ordering them b/c so many arrive dead and many more die later. It's just a big hassle I guess.

 

[chasgood]

Oto's have a higher than normal death rate from breeder to buyers home. Mine lasted a week. Didnt buy anymore. The only fish death I have had in the year these tanks have been setup.

 

[krap101]

yeah i bought around 6 spread out throughout my tanks. lost all 6 and lost one i had before within about 60 hours

 

[greenmaji]

is it that the otto needs good water conditions.. ie very clean water or does it have specific parameter needs? found a profile..
http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0103&view_records=1

 

[sta18ff]

I had the same problem a few weeks ago. Funniest part was that when I went to get more where I got the first two about a year ago, the fish room employee didnt know what I was talking about when I asked for otos. Tried 3 other stores (all said they hadn't had any for quite some time). I finally went to a different PetSmart then I usually go to and bought four of the five they had in. I now have five of them total and really like them. Does anyone know their lifespan? One of my orignal 2 is about one year old so far.

 

[Guest]

After I ordered 5 bristlenose plecos I saw about 20 otos at Petsmart today. Great

 

[Toirtis]

I want these...tiger otocinclus....slighly larger than regular otos, but about 10x the price...my LFS has regs for $1.99 each, but the tigers are about $15 each.