Breeding plecos

[Steve]

Wondering at what size do BNP become ready to start breeding? I have some super red BNP's that I have been growing out for about the past 8 months since I got them from a MCA member and out of the 10 I believe I have two males and 8 females. The males are about 2.75"-3" now and the females about 2.25"-2.5". Just wondering if they are starting to get close to size where I can start setting up a breeding tank for them soon or will it still be awhile?

[Dan K]

I don't know if the super reds breed at different size than regular browns. My browns were beginning to breed at about the sizes you listed.

[Steve]

Cool that's good to hear, maybe they are close to being ready then hopefully. I went ahead and just moved them over into a tank just for them only for the time being. Then hopefully if the 265g tank gets resealed soon then I can move some fish for that tank which are sitting in holding tanks into the 265 and that will open up a 20g long that I can use for breeding these super reds.

Took me forever to catch them all to get them moved lol. I was off by one on how many I thought I had. I have 9 total right now, 1 for sure big male, 1 that I "think" might be another male, then 7 good looking females. I'll be happy if I can get these to start breeding for me.

[cranialdisturbance]

A cave for them to breed in helps in my experience.

[Steve]

Yep there's a pleco cave in there it's just on the right side of the tank so not in the picture.

[GrizzlysDad]

Another tip for breeding plecos....put in only enough caves for the amount of males....that way the females aren't just hiding and not being exposed to a displaying male.

[Steve]

That's a good point Tony I didn't think of that. I was planning on getting a few more caves but now maybe I'll just get one more at most. Thanks for the tip.

[jkeeler]

Those are some nice reds!

I think you have a little more time, but once they get started.....