Otos

I happy to report that I got two new otos and the three otos have discovered that the algae pellets are food and are now always fat and happy. I have made a lot of changes to the tank, turned the driftwood and rearranged/added a lot of plants. The tank is going to be moving twice soon and it will probably take a toll on the plants. I took pictures and I will post them when I get time (it takes awhile to sort through the pictures and then upload and organize them again).

Return of the Puffs

I know its been a long time since I have posted but I am going to try to get back into it. I am guessing most people want pictures of things so I will try to focus more on that.

Its looking like I have 3 females, none of my puffs have developed wrinkles or belly lines. Although its possible they are just growing slowly as only Puff is the length a full grown one should be.

I have made some changes to the tank. I got one new Amano shrimp which has been happy in there for quite awhile. I also have 4 Red Cherry shrimp which are doing well and have been in there for around a month. I was hoping that they might breed but alas, I have 4 females.

I also got two otos, one died of injuries that I cannot figure out the cause of (I do not believe the puffers could have caused the damage). I got another one and then the other one died a mysterious death. I am not sure what to do. I would like the one to have company but since I have no idea why they have died so I am nervous to get more.

Now I bring you lots of pictures!

Feed us! Feed us!






Bug slurping a blood worm.





The little guy before eating.






The (not so) little guy after eating.






Bug hunting for something to eat in the gravel. She had claimed that plant, but she seems to change her mind from time to time whether or not she wants it. I don't mind if she claims it, the other two still have plenty of space.






Two puffers and two otos hanging out.






This is the oto that last passed away. The most obvious reason for his death is starving, I usually check them from time to time to make sure they look like they are eating enough, but I hadn't checked him for a few days. If you look closely you can see the spines that are on him in place of scales. Otos are in the Loricariidae family - armored catfish - along with plecostomuses.






This is the Oto I currently have. I have been feeding him zucchini to see if maybe more food will help them.






The following are pictures of one of the Red Cherries who was asking for a photo shoot.


























I have begun work on a 65 gallon tank that will home Figure 8 puffers however it will not be ready until June. I may post updates on it from time to time or create its own blog.