Awww My Ottos Are In Crisis

What do you normally feed them Fiona? As a friend of mine feeds them cucumber every 2/3 days and they love it! U could try a thickish piece and see if they go for that?

Sorry to hear about your ottos Fiona – hope they turn the corner soon.
You could try the cucumber as Rich says – all of my fish go absolutely mad for it when I offer it as an alternative to peas. I don't think there's that much nutritional value it, but if the idea is to get them eating again then that might be the most important point. I'm sure Sue, Steve, Colin and co. will be along to offer some advice as well though.

Courgette is better than cucumber; more in the way of nutrients. I have read that otos will eat sushi nori but that it can make a bit of a mess in the tank. If you can cope with the mess it might be worth a try. And I've just found an article on Practical Fishkeeping's site that suggests blanched spinach.


Aha! I have just found a very good article on otos on wet web media, written by the fishkeeping guru Neale Monks. Here The first part of the article deals with the various species with how to keep them in the second half. In addition to spinach and sushi nori, he says that wood in the tank is essential for otos. I know that some species of plec need to rasp at wood as part of their diet, and it seems that otos might be the same. Do you have any wood in your tank? If not, it  might be a good idea to find a small piece and put it in straight away even at the risk of turning the water brown. Wash it first to remove any dust etc!




And for those of you who have never heard of zucchini as mentioned in the wet web media article, it is American for courgette 

Ok I just finished reading the article, thanks Sue. I initially didnt pick the fish myself but I researched their care when they got here and up until I went away they were doing really well and thriving tbh. The next 7-14 days will tell I guess, I'm not giving up on them but I just feel really sad for the poor things, they seem to have lost their joy