Why Do They Do This?

[Munroco]

I have 6 Ottocinclus affinus in my tank. They were the first fish I bought. I rarely see any of them from one week to the next, but as soon as I switch of the filter for a water change and clean up, out they come, sitting on the gravel at the front of the tank, cleaning the front glass etc. Ten minutes after I switch the filter back on, they're gone again. Don't they like the flow? Wierd.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I know what you mean, my Oto's do exactly the same. I can't help you with the reason why but I shall follow this thread in case someone, somewhere actually knows.

 

[Paradise3]

I haven't seen this with my Oto's... They are out and active regularly whether both the filters are on or off

 

[Goggy]

I have 6 Ottocinclus affinus in my tank. They were the first fish I bought. I rarely see any of them from one week to the next, but as soon as I switch of the filter for a water change and clean up, out they come, sitting on the gravel at the front of the tank, cleaning the front glass etc. Ten minutes after I switch the filter back on, they're gone again. Don't they like the flow? Wierd.

Ottos are very curious fish and come out usually when water isnt as strong or moving. Maybe thats why this is happening?

 

[Baccus]

The only reason I can think of is if your normal flow is stronger than the oto's typically like, so when its off they come out into what is now calmer and once the filter is back on they retreat back into thier more sheltered areas.

 

[Akasha72]

mine also spend most of their time hidden in the plants and it is obvious to me that mine don't like me water changing either. They too come out and go and huddle together in a corner and then once I'm done they disappear again. Like everyone else has said - I don't know why 

 

[Lillefishy]

My Oto's must be weird, they don't care whether the filter is off or on, they're always out & about zooming up & down the glass or cleaning leaves & wood.
I think the behaviour depends on how many you have, the more you have the happier & bolder they are. I think I have about 15, I started with 5 & they spawned.

 

[Paradise3]

My Oto's must be weird, they don't care whether the filter is off or on, they're always out & about zooming up & down the glass or cleaning leaves & wood.
I think the behaviour depends on how many you have, the more you have the happier & bolder they are. I think I have about 15, I started with 5 & they spawned.

 
I only have 2 at the current time, I do keep planning to add more but I don't want to jinx the happiness that the two I've got have between them. I had a bad experience with 6, one became aggressive and I watched him/her kill the other 5... So I bought 2(last two in the shop, I did want 6 to try again) and they've always been relaxed, happy to come out no matter what, etc.. Maybe they think the Farlowella is a really big Oto? 

 

[Tongue_Flicker]

Unless your filter makes disturbing noises or gives off weird vibrations in the water I'm not sure why they're doing that but i guess it has something to do with the mild water circulation