How to Breed a Snowball Pleco

The snowball pleco is a medium-sized, dark colored fish with white or yellow dots covering its entire body. The male of the species usually has more red in its body coloring, while the female is a darker brown or black. This coloring makes the fish a very interesting addition to any aquarium. These fish are relatively peaceful and somewhat adaptable, making them easier to care for than some other fish. In addition, breeding these fish is also relatively easy, as long as you are willing to provide the fish with some specific requirements.

Things You'll Need

  • Gravel or another fish substrate
  • Aquarium plants
  • Aquarium cave or hollow log
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Instructions

    • 1

      Designate a large aquarium solely for the purpose of breeding your plecos. This ensures that no other fish will disrupt them or, later, the eggs and baby fish, which are called fry.

    • 2

      Add an anti-fungal additive to the water. Fish eggs are very susceptible to fungus, and this additive can help prevent it. You can use several types of additives. Most can be found in the local pet store.

    • 3

      Fill the bottom of the aquarium with gravel or another fish type substrate. Add plants, either real or fake, to the aquarium. These fish are most comfortable when plenty of hiding places are available, and the plants provide those places. Comfortable fish are much more likely to breed.

    • 4

      Place an aquarium cave or hollow log in the aquarium. This cave is where the male will guard the eggs until they hatch. If you decide to use a hollow log, make sure that one end backs up to a solid surface, so that there is really only one opening in the log. You can find either an aquarium cave structure or hollow log at most pet stores.

    • 5

      Select a pair of healthy male and female snowball plecos. Place them in the aquarium.

    • 6

      Feed your fish a nutrient-rich diet, based on meaty fish foods and algae products. A diet that's highly nutritious helps the fish get ready to breed and also helps to ensure healthier eggs.

    • 7

      Let the fish get used to each other. It may take some time before they are ready to breed.

    • 8

      Observe the male pleco. When he enters the cave, you know he's getting ready to breed.

    • 9

      Observe the female pleco. She will enter the cave sometime after the male. There, they will breed. The breeding can take a long time. You may not see your fish for several days. Eventually, the female will come back out of the cave.

    • 10

      Look into the cave. You should see the male fish and a number of eggs. The male will guard these eggs until they hatch, which takes about a week.