Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura) Breeding Guide

How to breed the Butterfly Pleco (Dekeyseria brachyura L168): a cave-spawner where the male tends and fans the eggs, triggered by large cool water changes simulating rainfall.

Overview

Dekeyseria brachyura (L168) breeding is not often achieved in the hobby, but by no means impossible. It is a cave-spawning loricariid in which the male tends the eggs, and it has been bred successfully on a number of occasions.

Sexing

Mature males develop longer odontodes (tooth-like bristles) along the nose and on the pectoral spines than females. These growths are the most reliable external sexing cue in conditioned adults.

Conditioning

Maintain breeders in soft, acidic water, as recommended for spawning. Good condition and stable water quality precede any spawning attempt, given the fry's sensitivity to water quality after hatching.

Breeding Setup

Arrange abundant caves and hiding places in soft, acidic water. This is a rheophilic species, so the breeding tank should also offer strong flow and high oxygen levels in line with its maintenance needs.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The eggs are laid within a cave selected by the male, who then tends them. A reported trigger is a large 50-70% water change with cool water every few days to simulate the seasonal rainfall conditions that prompt spawning in the wild.

Egg & Fry Care

The male fans the eggs with his fins and defends them against intruders. Eggs hatch within 7-10 days, after which the fry quickly deplete their yolk reserves. They will then graze on the same foods as the parents, which must be provided constantly during the initial period; small daily water changes are also required, as the fry are very sensitive to water quality.

Common Challenges

The main challenges are inducing the male to claim a cave and spawn, and then maintaining the very high water quality the fry demand. Constant food availability and small daily water changes during the early fry stage are key to survival.