Otocinclus catfish babies

[imbadatthis]

Hi Planet Catfish!

I really need help on how to care for baby otocinclus catfish. The adults bred in previous weeks, and just last week I found tiny babies while cleaning. So far I have counted 11 babies, and I just need help on caring for them.

Should I get foam filter protectors? I have no idea how to care for baby catfish, so anything helps!

[racoll]

Congratulations on breeding these. They're certainly not easy.

Regarding the care, have you read this thread? There's 26 pages of info!

[imbadatthis]

Thanks for pointing it out, I'll try and read that!

Will it be alright if I just leave them inside the tank? I don't have money or the time to set up a second tank.

Please reply because I want to try and keep some alive! =)

[racoll]

Will it be alright if I just leave them inside the tank?

Depends if you have any tankmates in there that might eat them.

[imbadatthis]

Nope. Its just 3 adults and the frys.

How long does it take until the fry become "adults"/ "old-enough-so-that-I-can-do-water-changes-without-worrying-about-them" ?

They are darkening in color and about 3mm long or so.

[racoll]

How long does it take until the fry become "adults"/ "old-enough-so-that-I-can-do-water-changes-without-worrying-about-them" ?

Not sure. You should get this info from the 26 page thread I linked to.

I would continue with water changes, but maybe use a thinner hose so as to not suck them up so easily. I would also not clean anything in the tank for the time being either, as the detritus will harbour food for the babies.

So, continue changing just small amounts of water regularly, but be careful with the hose (keep it near the surface), and don't suck up any dirt.

[imbadatthis]

Sweet! Thank you so much!

[lurch1000]

You could use a fine net or tights/hosiery over the siphon, prevent any accidents, and also check the water receptacle you use after just in case!