I've read it's impossible to breed this in captivity unless I had kg's of hormones to add to my tank, but I have noticed out of my 10: 6 of them are looking very round in comparison to the other 4, like almost double and fat even upto the tail.

Is this an indication that they're females?

Another thing, I've seen them often side by side (2 at a time) just shimmying - leaning against each other and almost vibrating. Is this mating behaviour??

Its not impossible, just doesnt happen very often

what kind (colour, size) of eggs do they lay?

but don't they need a lot of excess hormones to get them to breed?

Keep an eye on your numbers

ph change was mentioned.

http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... ki+spawned

Anyone know anything about hormone treatment?

I have about 10 myself and there appears to be a definite difference in 1or 2 of them the "girls" (or fat piggies as I call em) are huge and thick. Good luck I hope you get some success.

after reading that article - mine aren't shoaling just vibrating in pairs,

am thinking about adding another 5 or 6 to boost numbers as snails are rapidly increasing again (must be a summer thing) since I can't afford another 10 anytime soon due to my new pair of Dolce+Gabbana sunnies

I have a massive bush of Indian Fern and a corner full or Xmas moss so that should provide good cover? Definately be keeping my eyes on them lot

Anyone know anything about hormone treatment?

That information is available and used in this country but I doubt anyone will say anything.

really??? is it bad?

Id say filling fish full of hormones to enhance colour steralise fish or screw with nature is a bad thing.. But that is just my take on it, I wasn't aware there were people around who did it in NZ?

but what about hormones to induce breeding?

I guess it depends where you draw the line.. I would be asking the question as to why hormones are needed in aquariums if they are not needed in the wild (assuming noone has been puring hormones into these fishes habitates for years keeping them breeding).

True, but what if you could help reduce collecting of rare fish in local areas if there was a way to breed them?

true, I guess they might sterilize them to keep up the demand and price?