zebra pleco breeding...

[Carpinte]

Very high prices in the US.

in the Netherlands we can buy them at 90-175 Euro. Depending the size and in it is male or female.
Aduld female Hypancistrus zebra is expensive and very to obtain, maybe because you need like 3 females an one or 2 males to get a breeding group.

 

[LoTech]

Just be sure that you are really getting L46 - there are other hypancistrus species that are somewhat similar to zebras, but not as striking. Since L46 can no longer be legally imported, I've seen occasional reference to "zebras" that aren't the real thing.

As for breeding, they mature slowly. I had mine a couple of years before they bred. Number of eggs is small, and surviving fry is low, but I don't do anything special to get them to breed so hatch rate may just be laziness on my part.

Success seems to depend on clean, clean, clean water, warm temp, tight breeding caves, water flow, etc. Mine are in a 37g with a canister, sponge filter, bio wheel, and some floating plants to take up nitrates. I can't say that mine are actually seasonal breeders, although maybe (and that's a big maybe) they seem more likely to breed during atmospheric pressure changes (storms).

And no, I don't have any for sale

Kirk

 

[paOol]

I know a breeder up in LA that has them for wholesale price. Well actually there is one in Long Beach, Gardena, & LA. The only thing is that you have to own a store, or know someone who does that will order it for you at cost. They only charge $79-$100 though, so your saving a good chunk. Sometimes you can luck into a good price at a retail store, you just have to be patient & haggle. I got a green phantom (3 1/2") for $50, when 3 other place quoted me $300-$500.

spill the beans mahng.

 

[SchmucK]

A good and obvious place to start is http://www.zebrapleco.com/ . Very good information and pictures available there.

 

[ewurm]

This has to be the best fish out there.

 

[mjn03009]

yeah, extremely beautiful fish.