Cave spawner: give several spawning caves (PVC or slate) among driftwood.
Keep a group of 4-6 with wood and caves. Pairs form slowly.
A 20 gallon (75 L) tank with wood and small tubes, 24-28 C.
Warm clean water and fresh wood. Males guard a cave.
10-30 eggs; hatch in 4-8 days.
Male guards the eggs. Feed baby brine shrimp and veg. Fry grow slowly.
Mature males grow noticeable odontodes (bristles) along the back and longer cheek odontodes in the breeding season, and have a small pointed genital papilla; females have a large, rounded papilla.
Typical for cave spawners
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
Eggs are laid inside the cave and guarded, usually by the male.
Eggs hatch in 3–7 days depending on the species and temperature.
Feed baby brine shrimp and crushed food. Plecos need wood and vegetables.
Fry grow on in their own tank.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.