Influence of selected factors on reproduction of fish Ancistrus multispinnis

The white-girdled bristlenose catfish (Ancistrus multispinnis) is found in South America in the Amazon Basin, especially along the bed of flowing bodies of water. The male can be recognised from the long, thick, bristling tentacles and odontodes on the head and cheek. Females either have no tentacles or short, thin ones. Ancistrus multispinnis is omnivorous but primarily consumes plant matter. It is a much sought-after fish and it is therefore important to determine the best form of breeding and rearing. The monitoring required for compilation of the research project was performed in the aquarium room at the Department of Biological Sciences from March 2011 to March 2012. Normal and albino variants of Ancistrus multispinnis were used for reproduction. The tested fish were placed in 50 litre tanks where they then reproduced. A WTW meter, column (cation exchanger) and demineralisation filter were used for measurement of the values and for water treatment. The aim of the research project was to determine the influence of a selected form of feeding and water temperature on successful spawning of Ancistrus multispinnis. The findings reveal that, for successful spawning and breeding of these fish, the best form of feeding is to administer pellets specially designed for Ancistri, boiled nettles or lettuce leaves, finely shredded beef heart and even the occasional addition of pond plankton. The ideal water-temperature was revealed to be from 24-26 °C, pH 7-8, conductivity approx. 230 ?S/cm and oxygen content approx. 8.00 mg.l-1