A cave spawner: the male holds a small territory around a cave (often leaf litter), courts females with fin displays, and alone guards the eggs, which are stuck to the cave roof. Soft, acidic water and live foods help. Leave the eggs with the male, as his presence seems crucial.
Keep a pair or group in a tank with caves and clay pots; the male guards the eggs.
40-60 L tank with soft acidic water (pH 5-6.5), caves, bogwood and floating plants.
Soft acidic water, warmth and live food conditioning.
About 100 eggs; incubation 36-48 hours, fry free-swimming about 4-6 days later.
Fry are guarded by the male then fed on infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp.
One breeding tank for the sailfin tetra, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 24–28 °C · pH 5–6.5 · soft water
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 7 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 sailfin tetra in numbers.
In total: 4 tanks, about 240 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.
Tip: Look at the dorsal fin
From the checked notes: “Adult males are larger and more colourful, with greatly extended dorsal and anal fins; females are relatively plain.” Numbers sit on the part of the body each difference is about. Tap a picture to see it bigger.
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.