Sexing

Sexing young specimens is difficult. However, mature ancistrus fish are easy to sex. The male develops “bristles” on their head. Females sometimes develop smaller protuberations around her lip. Males also bear more noticeable odontodal growth.

Conditioning

As sexing is difficult in young fish, you can start by having six juvenile fish. It’s almost certain that you’ll end up with at least a pair. Use a large breeding tank as the male may get territorial. The water should be soft, with pH around 6.5, and having a temperature between 23°C(73°F) and 29°C(84°F).

The pair will spawn in a cave, so you should provide PVC tubes or inverted flower pots(with a piece broken to provide an entry). Feed the pair some high protein food(frozen blood worms is a good choice) to induce spawning.

Breeding

The female will lay about 50 – 200 eggs in one of the caves provided. The eggs will be attached to the inner walls of the cave and the female’s job is over. It is the male who will take care of the eggs until they hatch.

Fry Care

When the fry have just hatched, about five days later, put a leaf of blanched Romaine Lettuce in the tank. The fry will nibble at it. Two days later, you can start feeding them with freshly hatched brine shrimp. Having a piece of dritwood in the tank will also help the fry who will nibble at it.

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