Breeding the similis shell dweller
Shell spawner: the female spawns inside her shell, which the pair defends.
Step by step
Keep a group with several shells per fish; pairs form and defend a shell territory.
60-100 L tank with a sand floor, many empty snail shells (Helix or Turbo type) and hard alkaline water (pH 7.8-8.8).
Good conditioning, regular water changes, and a pair that claims a shell; the female spawns inside it.
Eggs hatch in around 24 hours and fry are free-swimming at about 6-7 days. No egg count found in a source.
Fry stay in or near the shell for the first week. Feed newly hatched brine shrimp, microworms and powdered flake; older fry may be removed to avoid being eaten.
- Too few shells so fish fight
- Using soft or acidic water
- Keeping with large fish that raid shells
Male or female
Hard to sex when young; adult males are considerably larger than females and may develop a small forehead hump.
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.