A few weeks ago I bought home 2 ancistrus fish( I think that's what they're called) and now one has given birth to about a million babies( not literally). I'm fairly new to fish keeping and I don't know what to do, can some one PLEASE help! I'm really worried about what could happen. I would be SO happy if someone could tell me what to do.

Also I don't know when they were born I only found them last night, I don't know how because they were both bought at the same time same place. I only know that there are a lot ( I dont know how many mums being very protective) and that they are about half a centimetre long each and that they are a whiteish colour. Sorry I don't have any other info about them.

If they're Ancistrus the parents won't harm them. It'll be Dad that's being protective. Unless you have predatory fish in the tank big enough to eat them you don't really need to do anything but keep the water clean (extra water changes) and provide food. Cucumber is usually relished by Ancistrus babies, plus soaked algae wafers and crushed flake/pellets. When they get a bit bigger you'll need to move them to a bigger tank to continue growing.

Word of warning - this will keep happening so if you'd rather not have to keep dealing with the offspring, rehome one of the adults.

They have just had more, I know that you have to wait a few weeks for a new tank's water to heat enough, how can I stop them breeding before that can happen?

You could get a tank divider as a temporary measure to keep the male and female apart. Something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FISH-TANK-DIVIDE-DIVIDER-11-5-X-15-5-/330690996378?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4cfeb8289a

or this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AQUARIUM-FISH-TANK-DIVIDER-BREEDING-QUARANTINE-XLGE-/330716741698?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4d00410042

If you get another tank, don't forget to cycle it before you move any fish. You can speed it up a little by putting a piece of sponge from your old tank's filter into the new filter.

Hi there the only way to stop them having more babies is as fishlady said, you have to separate the male from the female other wise they will breed every month as mine did that is until I took the females out and left dad with the babies

see photo below of mum and two albino babies, are these the fish you are talking about



click to enlarge

Yes those are the fish and I probably will get a tank divider before I can get a new tank set up. Thank you everyone who has helped, I don't know what I would have done without you!

Out of curiosity how big are your original pair as you say you have not long bought them also what colour are they, are they brown or albino any photos of them to show us would be nice



This is scotty my Male Bristlenose pleco "Ancistrus'

They are both brownish and about 3-3 1/2 inches each