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Hey evryone,

I have successfully spawned Ancistrus sp. (4) several times now, (3). And was wondering what a good next step fish to spawn would be. Any suggestions?

I am thinking something like a Hypancistrus or a Peckoltia hopefully, but let me know what you think a good species to breed that isn't super difficult would be.

Doran

Hello partner. With proper food, water conditions and lots and lots of patience it's possible to breed all sorts of fish. My suggestion is research fish depending on what kind of setup, and conditions your best able to keep. Look for an unusual fish like L183, Rubber plecos, or Peckoltia and run with it. Make it a challenge and make it something that you can help other people with in the future.

L46 Zebras

Breeding Peckoltia's and Hypancistrus is so last month...

Just kidding of course, but nonetheless I'd try to get off the beaten tracks, and try something that has not, or only rarely been done before - something like Oligancistrus, Lasiancistrus, Pseudolithoxus, Leporacanthicus or Baryancistrus, to give a few suggestions.
You may need a larger tank and some luck finding enough specimen, though.

Personally I'm planning to attempt L020 Oligancistrus sp. in the near future (I already have a male and female, and a tank scheduled to become their 'love nest'), but first I'll have to get rid of some of my fish.

Doran,
I am taking it that saying A. sp 4 you mean one of the man made morphs of A sp. 3?
Mastering breeding these and raising the fry are certainly the first steps towards becoming an accomplished pleco breeder. That said, I would not run out and try some of the above suggestions. To use an analogy, you have mastered the car's oil change. I am not sure that the next logical project is to rebuild a transmission.
If you want to branch off into the loricariinae, Farlowella and Rineloricaria are good bets to move on to. They are also usually inexpensive so you can buy a fair sized group. Sturisoma require a bit more room, but are also a good project.
If you wish to stay within the Hypostominae, read some of the spawning articles in Shane's World. Chose a sp. that has been spawned and attempt to follow the author's directions and techniques. There are a half dozen small Peckoltia types that are spawned fairly frequently. I might also suggest trying a more difficult Ancistrus sp. such as one of the black water sp. or A. ranunculus.
-Shane

I can see Shanes point. I wouldn't knock out a grand for a blue eye or H Luteus right off the get go.