Too big of a Zebra Pleco colony?

[RJZ1995]

Good afternoon everyone,

I have a colony of 16 full grown Zebra Plecos currently in a 60 gallon tank. I have grown out them out since they were all young (1-2inches), and have acquired them periodically since 2018 from different sources as I find them online. Of the group of 16, I have no idea of the ratio of male/female, as I do not like to disturb them, and have not taken them out since they have been large enough to sex. They began to breed for me in 2022, with several small clutches. However, I got busy with life and neglected them for a while. Last year I have decided to give them the attention they deserve, and have had 3 spawns since September of 2024, as the male is currently on eggs. Despite the fact that I am sure I have more than enough pairs in the tank, there is only ever 1 spawn occurring at once with my dominant male. None of the other zebras have bred besides for the dominant male. Would it be productive to break the colony up into several smaller colonies (separate tanks) to help get multiple breeding groups instead of just one breeding pair out of the 16? And if so, would would be a recommended size to break the group into (assuming it’s a 50/50 mix of males/females)? My fear is if I break the group up, I will accidentally separate the dominant male and his favorite female (which I have no idea which one it is), and they will stopping breeding altogether. Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[jjohnwm]

Maybe this question can bring @Niki_up back from forum retirement! I haven't seen her posting for a long time, but seem to remember that she was breeding Zebra Plecos very successfully.

 

[phreeflow]

I also had a large breeding colony and experienced the same thing. On their first go, I had a couple males spawning and sitting on clutches at the same. That was a good year and I got a lot of fry.

However, from then on, all following clutches were guarded by the dominant male. It was confusing when it happened the first time but I was glad to get fry regardless. It got frustrating when all subsequent batches in future seasons were the same male and no other males bred.

I had also thought he was taking turns breeding with several females but over the seasons, I was surprised to notice he was only breeding with a dominant female. I wasn’t aware that the females also participate in some form of hierarchy but apparently they do.

Later, I spoke to a more experienced breeder who confirmed they are far more productive in smaller breeding groups of pairs or trios. I’d suggest separating them. Grab the next largest male and throw a couple females with him in a separate tank. Males cave constantly while the females prefer to stay out of the caves or park themselves next to a male’s cave when they’re ready to breed.