How to Breed Zebra Plecos

The zebra pleco gets its name from its attractive black-and-white stripes. The small armored catfish is part of the plecostomus family of freshwater aquarium fish, with a strong following among hobbyists. Zebra plecos originally came from the Xingu River in Brazil. That country's government now bans exporting the species, so zebra plecos must be bred in aquariums. The fish are expensive and difficult to breed, but those who do so properly will find it a profitable undertaking.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium, 25 gallons or larger
  • Zebra plecos
  • Newly hatched brine shrimp for young plecos
  • Powdered fish food for young plecos
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Instructions

  1. Create the Right Environment

    • 1

      Choose an aquarium as long and as deep as possible, 25 gallons minimum. Zebra plecos are unlikely to breed in small tanks.

    • 2

      Maintain a healthy, well-oxygenated aquarium with an environment that resembles the Xingu River. Water temperatures in the low- to mid-80s Fahrenheit help promote breeding. Use filters that keep the water moving to mimic the motion of water in a river. Provide caves large enough for the fish to enter and move comfortably, but small enough to allow the males to protect the opening with their bodies.

    • 3

      Acquire up to six or seven zebra plecos. Females should outnumber the males at least two to one. Feed them a protein-rich diet.

    Breeding and Care of Young Fish

    • 4

      Females will breed only with the strongest male, the "alpha male." The alpha male and one female will enter a cave when they are ready to breed. The male blocks the entrance while the female lays clear white eggs. The female leaves the cave after spawning, the male stays to protect and care for the eggs.

    • 5

      Healthy eggs hatch in a week to a week and a half. The young fish, or "fry," are born with yolk sacs that will be their only food for more than two weeks. The male continues guarding the fry. Good water oxygenation is particularly important when zebra plecos are small. Keep the tank clean with frequent, small water changes.

    • 6

      After the yolk sacs are consumed, the zebra pleco fry will eat newly hatched brine shrimp and powdered flake food.

    • 7

      Zebra pleco fry may be carefully moved to a smaller tank where you can more easily care for them when they are about 5 days old. Their new tank must also be well-oxygenated and regularly cleaned.