Ratio of male to female Zebra Pleco for Breeding?

[khchua]

I intend to put 12 L46 consist 3 males and 9 females in a 90cm x 45cm x 60 cm tank for breeding. Is this a good ratio for breeding? Is the tank size suitable?

[TwoTankAmin]

If you provide enough cover and caves, it should be OK.

I would be more inclined to have a 4-8 or so m/fm ratio. However finding females, esp more than males, is not so easy.

[khchua]

Thank you. How many caves I need to provide for 4 males and 8 females H. Zebra? Do you suggest bare or substrate for the breeding tank?

[John]

More caves then fish, so i would suggest 14 caves.
All my breeding tanks are bare bottom, i find it handy with cleaning.

[khchua]

Thanks John. What type of filter shall I use for the breeding tank? Do I need to remove the other H. Zebras from the breeding tank after a breeding pair has spawned?

[KenW]

Hi, Personally I would separate them into 2 groups, 1 group should have the largest male with the smallest male and another group with just one male. I find that if the males are about the same size there seems to be more fighting for dominance. I've had to split up males because of that, and have lost a male. Also this will give you genetically different F1s from the groups.

Ken

[khchua]

Ken, Thanks. How do you induce spawning?