Breeder loach question

[joustin]

I want to try my hand at breeding loaches, are there any loaches that are not very hard to breed? I don't want to breed large scale its just that I always enjoy watching fishies grow lol. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark in Vancouver]

Most loaches do not breed in captivity without the addition of hormones (a "science" we have heard little about).

It's my opinion that many loaches, particularly the Botiine species, must become mature before you'll see a female even become gravid.

Some species of hillstream loach have been known to reproduce in the tank, but you'll need a specialized hillstream tank setup before you can consider it. I have kept kuhlis and horsefaced loaches which definitely became gravid, after a long time in one tank, but the trouble is that picking males and females from the importers is not as simple as it sounds.

Seasonal flooding may alter water chemistry in some of the rivers where loaches are found, or it may actually just be that they have access to good spawning grounds when the rivers break their banks. Extra aeration may occur during these times, combined with changes in water temperature, food supply, etc...

I suspect it is a combination of factors, which, if you try to reproduce them in your fish tank, will probably just stress out your loaches, endanger their health, and make them "lose the mood."

There are scores of aquarium fish that are good subjects for breeding. Loaches, IMO, are not.

[joustin]

well that isnt good... I may try cory's or something i am really attached to my loaches however lol

[Mark in Vancouver]

Loaches are great! I cannot shut up about how wonderful they are once you get me started, but loads of people want loaches to fit into their approach to aquarium keeping, which is the wrong route. They're fish that will do amazing things if you take care of their needs on their terms.

Try out the fresh water forum on this site for good breeding info and ideas.