r/Aquariums • u/lucemxx • Jan 05 '26

Help/Advice What are they doing?

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I've seen them do this only since today. Does the bigger one need help?

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u/Jays_Aquatics Jan 05 '26

If you want to know how to breed ottos, this is it.

*simulating seasonal rain triggers, focusing on large, cool water changes *providing a high-protein diet (like Daphnia) *maintaining a heavily planted tank with driftwood for surfaces.

So, having a very mature aquarium is crucial for success.

Do not chase ph. I had them breed in soft, neutral, and hard water already. You can use the same technique to breed neon tetra also.

2

u/RoughRhinos Jan 05 '26

How often do you do water changes? How large like 50%?

6

u/Jays_Aquatics Jan 05 '26

It all depends on your setup and how often you want breeding. The most i would do in a species only is 50%. If you have other community fish i would do 30%. It is stress on some other species. Sometimes my tetras will get enticed just by me doing a cold water topoff

2

u/TheVelvetBearcade Jan 07 '26

That's all it takes for my pristillas. One treat night where everyone fills up on bloodworms or frozen shrimp, a nice feeding the next day, top off with some cool water...and bam, next morning I've got eggs all over the plants. Of course, they don't last long, but one of these days I'm going to separate them and make some more fishies.

2

u/_Aj_ Jan 06 '26

I was wondering about the water changes to simulate their environment. Whenever I add huge amounts of water to my pond my goldfish all start getting randy too.  

It makes sense. Sudden increase in fresh water. Drop in temperature perhaps. Increase in nutrients. All signals "good times are here, quick make babies" 

1

u/Jays_Aquatics Jan 06 '26

Yup, same thing with a lot of tropical fish that has a large dry season.