PlanetCatfish.com

Looked at the various spawning articles on the site and in the forums, but am still unclear as to whether the spawning tubes are open at both ends or closed at one end? I have a bunch of small diameter bamboo pieces but not sure how to cut them. I also saw good information on the width of the tubes but nothing on length (or does it not matter?).
-Shane

I think contrary to Loricariid breeding caves, tubes for Auchenipterids should be open ended on both ends or you'll end up with a sad surprise one day

looking at the pics of egglaying Tatia/Centromochlus, I think they go in, lay the eggs and leave on the other end

if they "go in reverse" they would expel the eggs.


they sure don't take care after the eggs, so it's not a breeding cave proper like Hypancistrus need.

they also don't mate in them; the males chase the females around and mate all over the place, often right out in the open or between plants.
some time later (days?) the female goes and chooses a nice spot for her eggs.

My C. romani certainly laid their eggs in a tube with a closed end - but that may of course just be because that was the best thing compared to "nothing", as the cave was really there for the plecos that they shared tank with.

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Mats

I only used tubes open on both ends and it worked quite well with Centromoclus perugiae. I detailed the results with pics including the female staying in the tube on the egss/fry for a few days at least.

http://cinci-fishfarmer.com/reports/Tat ... iaeBR.html

Steve

Thanks all. Steve, I found your article but could not tell if the "caves" were open or closed.
-Shane

They are open on both ends.

Steve

mine laid/guarded the eggs in a small ceramic egg similar to pictured in link..

http://www.aquabid.com/uploads/breeding1266778646.jpg

Hi!!

Unlike Tatia intermedia that lay eggs in the floating plants and doesn't look after them, Centromochlus perugiae female lay eggs in caves and will guard them until the eggs hatched.
I have used PVC tubes closed in one end, bambou closed in one end and ceramic cave like the one used for Hypancistrus and my females Centromochlus perugiae have used them all.

Present in the tanks were also tubes or bambou open on both side..although they could used these to rest during the day, never saw them laying eggs in it!!

Cheers
Yann

@ Yann

Were the tubes a 'close fit' or was there room to turn for the fish?

My C. romani didn't appear to guard the eggs.

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Mats

I don't think there's any documented case of Auchenipteridae showing parental care

females might rest a while after laying the eggs, but as far as I know they don't really guard or fan the eggs.

They would prefer rather small fit tubes!!

I don't know if we can say it is "parental care" but females would not leave the tube on any occasion, except if forced out.
Even during food distribution the female would not go out...but the male does

Also she would always lay in the tube head first...which means she had to change position between the egg laying and "the guarding"

These are my observation on several dozen of spawn from 4 females!!
Cheers
Yann

Well I added four open ended bamboo tubes last night. Each is about 3" (7.6 cm) by .8" to 1" width (2.2-2.5 cm).

After 24 hours, the Centromochlus have not gone near them. They clearly prefer hiding in the plants and leaf litter. I'll give them a few days to find the tubes.

-Shane

Hi Shane!!

Yes give them a few days...the caves I have for my Auchenipteridae are always hidden some drifwood and plants...The also used any holes in the driftwood as well!!
Cheers
Yann