Ratio of male to female Zebra Pleco for Breeding?

Everything you ever wanted to say about "Zebra luvin", but didn't because you thought everyone would take the mickey! Plus general topics for discussion including everything from what you feed them to your personal experiences.

Post Reply
khchua
Forum Follower
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:21 am
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ratio of male to female Zebra Pleco for Breeding?

Post by 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? :wink:
User avatar
TwoTankAmin
Moderator
Posts: 1252
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2006 2:16 am
Location: Westchester Co., NY

Post by 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.
What makes the common person uncommon is common sense.
khchua
Forum Follower
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:21 am
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Spawning Caves

Post by 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? :D
User avatar
John
Moderator
Posts: 1612
Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:58 pm
Location: Hellevoetsluis / Holland
Contact:

Post by John »

More caves then fish, so i would suggest 14 caves.
All my breeding tanks are bare bottom, i find it handy with cleaning.
Greetings,
John
[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x276/hypancistrus-zebra/half.gif[/img]
khchua
Forum Follower
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:21 am
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Filter & Tank Mates

Post by 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? :o
User avatar
KenW
Obsessed!!
Posts: 187
Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2005 2:36 am
Location: Texas, USA

Post by 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
Forum Follower
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:21 am
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Induce Spawning

Post by khchua »

Ken, Thanks. How do you induce spawning? :?:
Post Reply