problems with otos?

[smithrc]

I bought 3 about 3 weeks ago... one dies in the first 12 hours... didnt look right from the outset.

The other 2 have been fine since - always hanging about together... until tonight.

when doing a bit of plant maintanence i found one dead - tucked in amongst the plant... colours hadn't faded and eyes were still clear so it haddn't been dead long.

on closer inspection 'she' was really plump and had a clear tube poking out from just below 'her' belly. could she have died due to pregnancy (or whatever egglayers get)?

i have treated the tank for bacterial infections etc as this is the 2nd fish that has died without any symptons or warning...

 

[tstenback]

Sorry about the fish..I have had similar sudden deaths with otos and have done some digging in the local aquarist community and around here it is very common. Most find that if you want a stable population of 4 otos then buy 6-8 and it will work out. I am not sure if its the fish or the handling in shipment or what but this is the only fish that i have ever cared for that has this type of mortality rate. I know this doesn't answer the question but it may let you know that with this species you are not alone in your question.

 

[jams.alaskan]

How long has this tank been set up - perhaps they need a very stable tank... Hope you have better luck with them as they are very cool and useful in a tank.

ALASKA

 

[smithrc]

How long has this tank been set up - perhaps they need a very stable tank... Hope you have better luck with them as they are very cool and useful in a tank.

ALASKA

tanks been up and running nearly a year now...

I'll be getting some more as they are great little fish...

 

[J_acon]

I heard they are famous fish for dying not long after you get them. I am not sure why either i just got myself 3 of them they seem fine and are swimming all over in my tank usually the 3 together. They don't like being alone, so you better get him/her some partners if you want him/her happy. And as for what your fish die off i got no clue. If the clear tube you are talking about was POO then she could have internal parasites, since she was also plump.