Breeding the black pearl
Cave spawner; the female guards the eggs, which number about 200.
Step by step
Buy a group of 6 and let a pair form, or buy a proven pair; keep a pair per tank to avoid fights.
100-150 L tank with rock piles creating narrow caves and slits, hard alkaline water (pH 8-9) and strong filtration.
Stable pair bond, good conditioning and a cave that fits the female.
Up to about 200 eggs; they hatch in about 2 days and the fry are free-swimming 8-10 days later.
Fry hide in the cave and become free swimming after a week. Feed microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp; parents tolerate and often protect them.
- Mixing several pairs in a small tank
- Giving caves that are too big
- Using soft water
Male or female
Males grow larger and have longer fins than females.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for cave spawners
- 21 days beforeSet up caves
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
- Day 0Spawning in the cave
Eggs are laid inside the cave and guarded, usually by the male.
- Day 4Eggs hatch
Eggs hatch in 3–7 days depending on the species and temperature.
- Day 10Fry leave the cave
Feed baby brine shrimp and crushed food. Plecos need wood and vegetables.
- Day 60Grow-out
Fry grow on in their own tank.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.