Loricaria simillima Breeding Guide

Breeding the Marbled Whiptail (Loricaria simillima): a paternal lip-brooder where the male carries eggs in his lower lip for 10-15 days while fanning them.

Overview

Loricaria simillima, the Marbled Whiptail, is a slender loricariid recorded from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, reaching about 18 cm standard length, per Seriously Fish (which notes the name may cover more than one species). It is a paternal lip-brooder: the male carries the egg clutch in his lower lip until hatching.

Sexing

Seriously Fish reports that mature males develop greatly enlarged mouthparts; Tropical Fish Hobbyist similarly notes that male lip-brooding whiptails have larger lips than females. This enlarged lip is the egg-carrying structure.

Conditioning

Seriously Fish describes the species as omnivorous, feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates in nature; in captivity it takes bloodworm, Daphnia and chopped earthworm plus sinking dried foods and some vegetables. A varied diet brings adults into condition, though it can be outcompeted by vigorous tankmates.

Breeding Setup

Per Seriously Fish, provide soft, sandy substrate with driftwood, rocks or pipe for shelter, and water of about 24-27 °C, pH 5.6-7.8 and hardness 1-20 °H. A quiet tank with peaceful companions suits this retiring species and lets the male brood undisturbed.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

After spawning, the male is seen carrying a brood of eggs in his lower lip, ventilating them, per Seriously Fish. Tropical Fish Hobbyist adds that lip-brooding whiptails produce small clutches of typically only a few dozen eggs and that the strategy occurs from time to time in captivity.

Egg & Fry Care

Seriously Fish reports the male holds the eggs about 10-15 days; the fry then need another 2-3 days to absorb their yolk sacs before requiring food such as brine shrimp nauplii. Tropical Fish Hobbyist notes whiptail fry also take algae, infusoria and finely powdered flake.

Common Challenges

Seriously Fish warns the species is very quiet and can be outcompeted for food, so robust tankmates should be avoided. Small clutch sizes and the need for an undisturbed brooding male make consistent success demanding.