Otocinclus gone or hiding?

[domingo3]

So I had 4 otos that had been doing fine for about a month. We went on vacation for about 10 days. Someone fed the fish a couple of times, but by the time we got home the tank was totally clean of algae, and I only saw two of the otos. I'm afraid they might have starved. I got two more otos to add them in. I put in a slice of zucchini, because I was afraid they wouldn't have enough to eat. They all seemed to be eating, and then I saw the others less and less. I thought they were just full of food and not looking for more. At one point, I was sure all but one of them were gone. Then a few days later, I saw three of them out. Now, it's been a couple of weeks and I have only seen the one again. Where do these guys hide? How do I know if they've died or they're just hiding?

[rothenb1]

I had 6 otos, I got them in October. One by one they died, but I only found three of their bodies. They're so tiny and they were in such a big tank that I'm pretty sure the other fish snacked on them. Otos are hard to keep because sometimes they don't want to feed on ANYTHING except the algae. Mine wouldn't eat the algae wafers, pellets, or zucchini. Poor guys probably did starve to death.

[lobsternoob]

Odd, i have found my oto's will feed on almost any veggie I put in my tanks. They are extremely good hiders though, I have four in one of my tanks (I'd up the school but it isnt a large tank) I have only seen one at a time for the last few months except for when I have done a thorough cleaning or rearranged the tank. They could have died, but I think it is likely they are hiding, 10 days isn't that long of a time. Mine particularly like to line up on the back of the filter intake, and because the tank is heavily decorated they are not easy to see.

[Northernguy]

Only way to know for sure is empty the tank of all decorations and rocks.Leave the plants.You may find something or you may find nothing.lol But you will know for sure.