Otos & Java Fern

[Thyra]

Two quick questions (hopefully) I noticed on leaves of the java fern that are turning brown, there are what appear to be new sprouts. Is this how they propagate? and do you just let them float around? OC, I believe you have talked about having a large group of otos (27?) in a tank. How do you keep track of them? I try to do a head count of all my fish every morning, but even just 3 or 4 otos in a tank are hard to find.

[misterking]

Yes that's how java fern propogates (that and with spores which grow under some leaves), it's really up to you what you do with them, you can let them float around and settle where they please, or just replant them where you want. Unfortunately can't help on the oto front, never had them!

[OrangeCones]

OC, I believe you have talked about having a large group of otos (27?) in a tank. How do you keep track of them? I try to do a head count of all my fish every morning, but even just 3 or 4 otos in a tank are hard to find.

I don't count them everyday, but I do keep an eye on the tank and make sure they are getting enough algae. I usually see over half at any given time. I put 27 in the tank 1 year ago, and when I moved the tank over the summer, had to catch them all and found 27 to move, so no losses. They LOVE to congrate on the 'algae logs.' Next time I put one in, I'll see if I can get a good picture. Usually they are so busy chasing each other off the 'best' spot, its just a flurry of activity.

[Thyra]

Thanks, both of you. I am planning on making some of those "algae logs" and maybe then I will be able to count otos.

[Dylandrewsdad]

I have six in my 55 and I can almost never count them all! LOL.