Bristlenose Breeding and some questions.

[squid]

I noticed my Bristlenose like to stay on a tube of my sponge filter.
The one inside the tube is always the male, with some females surrounding him.
what could be the reason? I'd like to breed them. I have a 3-4 inch L014 in the tank, sunshine pleco.
would it hinder them from breeding?> he is the owner of a cave.
do i have to remove the l014? I currently have 7 albino bristlenose, 5 females and 2 male. and the l014.

here's a picture of them




any reason why they would be always here? I do notice the males anal and pelvic fin seem to be always twitching?

Or would it be better to move them to a smaller 20 gal tank?

[Shane]

Many Ancistrus species prefer verticle spawning sites. See here
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/ima ... ge_id=2040

I would recommend you construct one with bamboo or pvc pipe. You can spawn them where they are or use a separate spawning tank. A separate spawning tank will prove easier and more productive however over time.
-Shane

[squid]

Many Ancistrus species prefer verticle spawning sites. See here
http://www.planetcatfish.com/common/ima ... ge_id=2040

I would recommend you construct one with bamboo or pvc pipe. You can spawn them where they are or use a separate spawning tank. A separate spawning tank will prove easier and more productive however over time.
-Shane

thanks Shane did not know they can be spawned on vertical caves Nice i have some 2 inch diameter PVC at home
can't see the link you provided
thats why they are all there, might be they want to spawn? but the pipe only fits one fish

[Shane]

Look at the pics of Ancistrus sp Rio Chirgua in the cat-elog and you will see a vertical spawning pipe I used to spawn that sp.
-Shane

[squid]

Look at the pics of Ancistrus sp Rio Chirgua in the cat-elog and you will see a vertical spawning pipe I used to spawn that sp.
-Shane

saw the picture thanks!!

[jvision]

The easiest way I used to make a vertical spawning cave is to put a piece of PVC into a small clay pot, then pour sand in the pot around the outside of the tube. Fill the pot right to the top with sand, and the tube should stay put. Point the output of the filter or a powerhead across the top and it should make for an attractive spawning site.

[.Plecomania.]

why do vertical spawning setups? it traps dirt at the bottom and is a bit unhygienic for the eggs. in a horizontal setup the male can sweep any waste out easily.

[Barbie]

Somewhat inverted caves like they recommended keep the eggs from being kicked out, as well as allowing you to dump the fry out more easily because the end of the tube is actually open.

As to the pictured fish, if they are twitching their fins, spending time out in the open on the surface of a filter where water is being pulled past them, I'd bet they have external parasites, personally. Any fraying on their fins?

Barbie

[.Plecomania.]

I thought the fanning of the fins is breeding behavior?

[squid]

Thanks
No frayed
Fins ill
Try to take a video
Tomorrow
Earlier i saw a female trying to get into the tube . Ive made 2 caves just waiting for the silicone to dry

[JamesFish]

The fish themselves if wanting will pick a site or make one if possible. Remember reading some posts about them digging caves themselves under bog wood to make a site. Mine personally did it in a ceramic arch vertical but it was the best spot as sealed and tight.

Be careful on spawning them as so many survived they pushed my tank and me hard on maintaining it. Ended up with 3 filters and 25% water changes every 2-3 days. The filters were cleaned one week apart to stop me destroying the bacteria needed. One filter on its own jammed in 8 days despite being rated for a tank 3x the size. They are messy little buggers!

[Jools]

I thought the fanning of the fins is breeding behavior?

It can be, but it's also the sign of an ill fish.

Jools

[squid]

Some
More questions with bn breeding i have a female which has been withe for years now size is about 4.5 inches i just bought a male one at 5 inches they are in a 20 gal and theybdont seem to be interested in each other , could it be they are not compatible? Also i was able to get another 3 inch female and added her to the tank as well , not sure if she is mature already?

[JamesFish]

Try posting a bit more information up one of the experts may help.

A picture of your breeding setup.

The male and female pictured to confirm they are 100% a male & female - Sounds silly but sometimes people make mistakes. This also allows people to confirm they are same species.

Water temp, PH, water change rate / % and, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. (You haven't mentioned if it was a mature filter / tank.)

Diet are they being well fed? Is something missing that someone can give you that's a key with these. I cant think of anything off top my head algae flake an wafers made mine happy.

[squid]

Here are some pictures of
My 3 black bristlenose, are they the same
Type? Also does the smallest one look mature already?
Tank is 20 gallon diet is flake, some
Sinking pellets and occassional
Potato .

[JamesFish]

It's a very bare tank with what appears to be no breeding cave?

Also see if you can get a good look at the mouths (top side) the picture appears to show small bristles on the smaller 2. while I think some females do get them. You might have 3 males. Have a wait for a better ID from someone more experienced. I'm not very good unless its a clear cut case.

As its a small tank try taking out what may be the small male and adding in a cave. Something the male can feel comfy in at one end of the tank. They like it reasonably tight to their body. To get ideas have a look at rare aquatics web site for the small semi circle ones.

My pair did it in 2 places but the opening had to be small so the male could easily defend it. His preferred spot is in a very tight fit.

If your lucky one of the experts will drop through and give you some hints. Also have a dig on the forum lots of people have bred these and will have post bits and bobs up.