Where are my otos?

[GrannyBecky]

I had a major algae problem so I added six snails and 5 oto catfish. I have not seen the otos since the second day. I don't think that they died as they have not floated and I test the water daily (trying to get a handle on things) and there have been no spikes. My tank is 20 gals and planted so there are lots of hiding places. Should I worry? Algae is much better.

How do I know when snails and otos need feeding? I have offered some algae wafers to snails which the one closest to seem to enjoy. Most snails never seem to find.

I recently had three guppies sicken and die. I believe because of over feeding.
This is why I test water constantly.

 

[TMaier]

If you have snails and missing fish, I suspect the fish may have passed and been eaten by the snails.

I tried Oto's a few months back and within a week they passed. They were pretty small and skinny when I got them and never really ate anything and there was plenty of algae just waiting for them.

 

[GrannyBecky]

Thanks. I was afraid they were gone.

 

[woodcatl493]

Wow, good to know. How can you tell if Ottos are skinny as they are already pretty thin fish? Or is that just from pictures as I haven't owned Ottos in a while and have forgotten their body structure.

 

[TMaier]

After I got them home I was looking at pics on line and realized I had a few that we pretty poor looking.