Long fin ancistrus

[bigfrogs]

I have a pair of the above in my south American cichlid tank and think they may have breed.For the last couple of days the male has been stuck head first in a hole in the end of a piece of bog wood,I don't mean stuck as in cant get out but he has not moved for a couple of days and seems to be fanning his pelvic and anal fins.The female some times hangs around the area but still roams around feeding.The hole is at an angle which I cannot see into it and the piece of wood is part of an intricate interlocking structure so I cannot move it with out moving all the other pieces first:wb:.I have never had any plecs breed so am unsure of the signs to look for.Does this sound like a breeding?

 

[Jimmy]

From your description it does sound very promising, just try to resist the urge to take a closer look as you may spook him (seasonal humour). The fanning is usually a good indicator.

 

[bigfrogs]

Thanks for that Jimmy,TBH I don't really want any fish in this tank to breed,I will be a nightmare getting them out...400ltr 5' with loads of wood and rocks..and once you've taken the decor out you can never get it back in the same place...

 

[foti]

The eggs will become small fry basically all egg in a week then you can remove the log with them all in there place them in another tank to raise them
Or a bucket with air sponge they take about 2 weeks or so before they leave the cave so you can leave them there longer than a week
Congrats on them breeding

 

[Irene0100]

if yu dont have another tank to move the breeding log into then let them hatch and remove them a few at a time when you see them sucking on the frontglass. you can leave them for a few weeks to get stronger first if you wish. have you any predators in the tank that will eat them?

 

[bigfrogs]

if yu dont have another tank to move the breeding log into then let them hatch and remove them a few at a time when you see them sucking on the frontglass. you can leave them for a few weeks to get stronger first if you wish. have you any predators in the tank that will eat them?

The other fish in the tank which may predate on the young ancistrus are 6 geophagus tapajo red heads(4-5") and 5 Acarichthys heckelii(2-3").I don't have another tank and tbh I have nowhere to put another one if I get one.I think it will have to be survival of the strongest.

 

[Irene0100]

oh dear, red head geos will surely eat them.