Cave Size

[nvcichlids]

I did a seach and couldn't find recommend cave sizes per fish size. I am looking into getting some

Leporacanthicus triactis

to grow out and attempt to breed in a few years, but would prefer to get the caves ordered now, so they can have bigger caves than needed to start. What length, width of opening and height of the cave should i be looking at for these beauties.

[MatsP]

How big are your fish going to be at that point? My fish were around 4-5" when I got them, and a good 7-8 months later they are around 6-7", I'd say.

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mats

[nvcichlids]

The fish are at 2.5-3", so they will be small to start, and i have small caves, and medium caves, but have no idea what to look for for adult size fish caves (granted I know it will take a few years for them to grow to that size, but planning ahead is the way to go!)

[MatsP]

My point is that caves need to be the right size for the fish when they decide to breed...

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Mats

[fishfarmer]

There is a general rule that the length of the cave should be one and a half times the length of the male and the width and heights are also about one and a half times the body width and height of the adult male. The males want to be able to extend their pectoral and dorsal fins to lock themselves and the female into the cave during spawning and don't feel comfortable in a cave they can't do this in. Finding caves the right width and length has been easy but most rectangular or tubular caves are too tall.

Steve

[sturiosoma]

I use a 4"x4" x 12" cave that they spawn in.