how long do otocinclus's live?

Question

I've had a total of two die on me so far and none of the fish in my tank were sick and they always were very active so it seems wierd that they just up and die.

Answer 1

I've not had much luck with Otos myself. It is my understanding if you can make it 6 months, you will make it at least three years. The problem is more than half die in less than six months, which has been my experience.

Answer 2

Otos should live for 3-5 years. They are a little sensitive to water quality and shouldn't be added to a tank that's been running less than 6 months.

Have you tested your tank recently for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates? It's possible that if these were new additions that the water quality is a little different that what they've been in. If it's only newly added fish that die, I start to suspect that there's a problem with one of these parameters in the tank to which the other fish have slowly adapted. New fish aren't used to the same conditions, so have a harder time surviving in the same conditions. It's also possible the problem is with the store where they came from. If your water tests okay and your tank's had time to mature, try getting your next fish from a different place.

Answer 3

Otto's live anywhere from 3 years to 10 years. However there are a few differnt types. they have specific water requirements and like the lower end of the ph scale around 6 - 6.5 They have a difficult time surviving in higher PH's. Also these catfish are very water sensative. Temps only at around 68 - 74 degrees and no salt or other chemicals in the water. Swift currents, lots of plants and lots of dissolved oxygen. They will eat algae however need added leafy greens to supplement their diets.

They are not the easiest fish to keep because of this reason. I know people that have them in the worst of conditions and they survive just fine.