Breeding the sunshine pleco
Rarely bred in captivity. ScotCat knew of no aquarium spawning in 2006; a hobby breeder in Western Australia reported his fifth spawn in late 2024.
Step by step
Grow out 6-8 juveniles and let a pair form; keep the group in a well-oxygenated, stable tank.
100-200 L tank with strong flow, many caves sized to the fish (PVC or ceramic tubes), and very clean, warm water.
Cool water changes, increased flow and a seasonal drop in temperature, plus rich protein feeding.
One reported spawn was about 300 eggs, of which about 65 were fertile, giving about 60 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.
- Too few caves
- Warm, stagnant water
- Moving the male while he guards eggs
Male or female
Males are more slender and grow larger than females, develop bristles (odontodes) around the cheeks and head, and have larger odontodes on the leading pectoral-fin ray.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Hard: for experienced breeders.
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.
- Corydoras usually need a big, cooler water change (like rain) to start spawning.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.