Life or death!! Help my Oto!

**MandyK** · 08-29-2012, 07:00 PM

As you can see from the pic, there is something wrong with my Oto's stomach. I had an Oto do this exact thing about a month ago. Does any one know what it is? What can I do?

I have Prazi, and Aquarium Salt on hand. I should be able to purchase any other meds tomorrow if he lasts that long. The other Oto died the same day this showed.

**FinalJenemba** · 08-29-2012, 07:16 PM

It's an Otto, im afraid that's just what they do. Expect about a 50/50 ratio of them to survive acclimation past 3 months.

**MandyK** · 08-29-2012, 07:18 PM

Oh no, really? I thought maybe it could be parasites or something. There's no way I can help him?

**FinalJenemba** · 08-29-2012, 08:18 PM

It probably is a parasite of some kind, Otos are 100% wild caught which is why they are so sensitive. You can try Prazi but the way they just tend to switch off its probably just wasting good medication. I have personally never had an Oto come back from being sick.

How many do you have? They live in schools numbering in the thousands in the wild, and need at least 8 in an aquarium to be comfortable. I usually buy about 14 and end up with 6-8 good ones.

**~firefly~** · 08-29-2012, 08:35 PM

Oh dear, that's not good news about otos generally. I've never seen that colouring on the belly but I remember you reporting it last time it happened.

Sorry to see this.

I got 11 otos around 3 months ago (I think) and I still have 10 from what I can tell. One got very skinny and died within two weeks of me getting them but the rest seem to be going strong. I'm surprised by the general die-off rates, and by the fact that they are wild caught. I didn't know this.

**MandyK** · 08-29-2012, 10:28 PM

He is in a group of 3. I'm hoping he makes it through. If so those three are going to be combined with my other two to make a group of 5.

To me it looks like internal bleeding, or some sort of worms. I think I'll pull him out and treat him, just to see if it works.

EDIT: In fact I think I'll treat them all for parasites just to be on the safe side...

**FinalJenemba** · 08-29-2012, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by ~firefly~

I'm surprised by the general die-off rates, and by the fact that they are wild caught. I didn't know this.

Yep. I posted this video awhile back but I will re-post here, its no wonder the poor guys have trouble lol.

And to MandyK, be careful medicating them if they don't show signs. An Oto can drop just from being in medication, so I would go light with it.

**MandyK** · 08-30-2012, 12:05 AM

Oh wow. That is insane!! Too late on the treatment thing.... Arg...

**MandyK** · 08-30-2012, 01:24 AM

I just checked the condition of the Oto, and I'm happy to say that the condition seems to be getting a little better already. Most of the redness is already gone!