Breeding Catfish (pleco)

Many hobbyists become very fond of the species and specialize in Breeding catfish (plecos).
The plecostomus is well known as an algae eater and can usually be found stuck to the side of aquariums. Many grow to be very large and are not suited to the average aquarium. However, the Bristelnose Pleco will grow only to a size of about five inches maximum, as a mature adult and is a favorite with aquarists. All plecos are nocturnal and will prefer to feed at night. Their eyes are actually protected by a special membrane during the day to block out the light. These guys do a great job of removing every bit of algae in a tank, but they also like a feed of fresh, steamed vegetables, like zucchini, beans and lettuce. A treat of bloodworms every now and then will be really appreciated. Also add a piece of bogwood or driftwood to the aquarium as they love chewing on this wood.

To successfully breed plecos it is advisable to prepare them with a good nutritious diet, the best water conditions and a suitable place for breeding. To help identify which are the possible “Dads” from the “Mums”, the males develop a set of bushy bristles around their top lip and down the middle of their face, while the females will never have them down the middle of the face but will have shorter bristles around their top lip.

They prefer a type of “cave” or hollow place to breed. Many things will make a suitable cave, like an old ceramic flower pot, even a broken one as long as the fish are not likely to cut themselves. Even PVC tubes have been used and the fish adapt quite readily to short pieces of tube for a cave. Male bristlenoses like to argue over territories. If you have more than one male, then it is essential to provide more than one hiding place.

When ready to spawn, the male will attract a suitable female to the cave where she will deposit her eggs. The male then fertilizes the eggs, and will then remain in the “cave” where he protects and defends the eggs from all comers. It is best if the cave has a small entrance but enough room inside for the male to move around comfortably without being too cramped. He will be hard at work fanning fresh water over the eggs using his ventral and pectoral fins.

Once the eggs are laid it takes 5-6 days for them to hatch, then it takes a further 5-6 days for the babies to absorb their egg sacs. They then become free swimming and independent. They are about 1cm in size when free-swimming will grow to about 3 cm in about 4 or 5 months. Once they start free-swimming, they can be fed microworms and/or newly hatched brine shrimp. As they grow, they will be able to have a varied diet of green beans, zucchini, and algae wafers. The baby fry also enjoy munching on the driftwood in the tank. Very frequent water changes are necessary at this stage because the tiny fry can produce a remarkable amount of waste.