Cave spawner; eggs are laid in a cave, often on a leaf, and the male guards them for 3-4 days until the fry swim free. Fry are very cannibalistic if underfed.
A pair in a quiet tank with caves.
80 L planted tank with caves and driftwood.
Warm water and live food.
Up to 600 eggs in a cave; the male guards them until the fry are free-swimming, about 3-4 days.
The male guards the nest; fry feed on baby brine shrimp.
One breeding tank for the guyana leaffish, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 22–26 °C · pH 6–7
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 5.5 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 120 cm rack for breeding the guyana leaffish 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.
Males are velvety black with turquoise or silver spots and flecks; females are deep brown.
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.