A family mould for plastic Fish Caves.

These caves are used for breeding tropical fish and provide a safe and very convenient method for harvesting eggs. There are 4 different shapes which are all made in the same mould – along with a matching lid!

One challenge with this mould was to have a very course finish on the cores which forms the inside of the caves. A rough texture on the inside is important so the fish eggs would adhere during laying. If the surface is too smooth, the fish will not lay their eggs!

When the breeder wants to collect the eggs, the lid is removed, containing the eggs, and the male fish guarding the eggs remains in the tube section and is safely released back into the water. The usual problem of trying to coax him out without harming him from a one-piece cave is eliminated.

To make the plastic stable in water, Calcium Carbonate was added at about 60% to make them heavier. The downside was that the rough finish left white abrasions, but this doesn’t affect their function.

The dovetail slot on each cave allows them to mount on a frame for stability and ease of access while in the water. See the caves in action Ezy Caves – Next generation pleco caves