An open spawner that usually lays its eggs on the aquarium glass; the male guards the clutch until it hatches.
Keep 2-3 males with several females; the male guards the eggs.
80-100 L tank with sand, smooth bamboo or pipe caves, and cool, well-oxygenated water.
A cool water change and good flow often triggers spawning.
Eggs are laid on open surfaces, usually the tank glass, not in a cave; the male guards and fans them and they hatch in 7-9 days.
Fry are tiny; feed biofilm, crushed spirulina flake, and microworms. Keep the water very clean.
One breeding tank for the golden whiptail catfish, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 24–28 °C · pH 6–7.5 · sand bottom
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 20 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A 130 cm rack for breeding the golden whiptail catfish in numbers.
In total: 3 tanks, about 400 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.
Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.
Sexually active males grow bristles (odontodes) along the sides of the head and snout and have slightly longer fin extensions; females are usually smaller. Not always easy to tell.
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.