What is the proper name for Otos?

[foxtrot1027]

Ive seen em, but know very little about them. Will they get along with other fish and what is the temp and water parameters. Thanks(anything that eats brown algae is worth lookin in to)

 

[QTOFFER]

The scientific name is Otocinclus affinis. Here is a link that profiles them.
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/fw/profile.asp?id=Otocinclus+affinis

They are very peaceful and shy fish - mostly coming out at night to munch on algae. You have to supplement their diet with zucchinni and sinking algae wafers.

I've had problems getting them to survive past quarrantine, but I will give them another go.

 

[loganj]

The oto is Otocinclus affinis. It is one of the most peaceful community fish there is. They won't bother anything. They reach a max size of about 2". They can handle a wide temp range from about 70* to 80* and prefer soft, slightly acidic water. They will, if properly acclimated, adapt to all but the most extreme water conditions. The most common cause of failure in keeping these fish is not having enough algae or having the wrong kind of algae in the tank...they starve. If you get some, and they do best in groups of 3 or more, be prepared to supplement their food if needed. HTH.