Breeding the kribensis
Monogamous cave spawner; eggs are laid on the roof or wall of a cave. Both parents care for the brood for about 3-4 weeks: the female mainly tends the fry and the male defends the territory. Keep pH near 6.5-7.0, as alkaline water gives mostly male broods.
Step by step
Keep a pair or let a group pair off. They spawn readily.
A 20 gallon (75 L) tank with a flowerpot or coconut cave, 24-27 C and a sand bottom.
Warm water and live foods. The female turns bright purple-red.
Usually 40-100 eggs, up to about 300; they hatch in 2-3 days and fry swim freely after 7-8 days.
Feed baby brine shrimp and microworms. Leave fry with parents until 4-6 weeks, then separate.
- Not providing a cave
- Overly hard water
- Letting fry grow too crowded
Male or female
Males are larger with pointed dorsal, tail and anal fins. Females are smaller and rounder and show a bright purple-red belly in spawning condition.
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.