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Breeding / Cave spawners
Cave spawners · Hard

Breeding the scarlet pleco

Has been bred in captivity, presumably as a cave spawner like other Pseudacanthicus.

Full species page

Step by step

Pairing

Grow out 6-8 juveniles and let a pair form; keep the group in a well-oxygenated, stable tank.

Breeding tank

100-200 L tank with strong flow, many caves sized to the fish (PVC or ceramic tubes), and very clean, warm water.

What starts it

Cool water changes, increased flow and a seasonal drop in temperature, plus rich protein feeding.

Eggs and young

The male guards a small clutch (5-30 large amber eggs) in the cave for around 5-10 days until they hatch; the fry carry a big yolk sac.

Raising the fry

Fry stay in the cave until the yolk is gone, then feed on sinking algae wafers, blanched veg and crushed flake. Keep nitrate low.

Common mistakes
  • Too few caves
  • Warm, stagnant water
  • Moving the male while he guards eggs

Male or female

  • Male: Broader head with bristles or odontodes; slimmer body
  • Female: Rounder, fuller body, narrower head
  • Compare head width and odontodes from above once adult

Can I breed it in my tank?

  • Hard: for experienced breeders.

Day-by-day plan

Typical for cave spawners

  1. 21 days beforeSet up caves

    Give one cave per pair or female, plus a varied diet.

  2. Day 0Spawning in the cave

    Eggs are laid inside the cave and guarded, usually by the male.

  3. Day 4Eggs hatch

    Eggs hatch in 3–7 days depending on the species and temperature.

  4. Day 10Fry leave the cave

    Feed baby brine shrimp and crushed food. Plecos need wood and vegetables.

  5. 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

Stage 1 of 5Set up caves

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.

No spawning
  • Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
  • Corydoras usually need a big, cooler water change (like rain) to start spawning.

An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.