Easy cave/shelter spawner, often in harems. Only the female cares for the eggs and fry while the male defends the wider territory; during spawning the female takes on a checkerboard pattern that the fry recognise.
Keep one male with 2-4 females; each female claims a cave, pot or coconut shell.
A 30 L tank with a sponge or gentle filter, fine sand, many small caves, terracotta pots and leaf litter, with soft, slightly acidic water.
Soft, slightly acidic water, warmer temperatures, frequent water changes and live or frozen foods.
Up to about 300 eggs.
The female guards the wrigglers and then the free-swimming fry; feed microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp from day 4-5.
Males are much bigger and more colourful (pale blue, green and red) with more elongated unpaired fins; females are smaller and yellowish with a dark lateral stripe, turning to a checkerboard pattern when breeding.
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.