How to Breed Fish

Keep the tank clean, with a thin layer of gravel.

Breeding fish is a fascinating and educational hobby. Information specific to the species on spawning and young-raising behavior must be known to successfully breed fish. Some fish bear live young, while others will lay eggs, or even hatch them in their mouths. Additionally, some fish will eat their own young, while others take turns watching over them while the partner finds food. However, there are general guidelines that can be followed for the successful breeding of all aquarium species.

Things You'll Need

• Male and female fish of same species
• Community tank
• 2 to 6 gallon breeding or raising tank
• Fry-safe tank pump
• Foam filter
• Yarn mop or peat moss
• Fish net

Instructions

Spawning

1. Choose parents that are of the opposite sex, young and healthy-looking.

2. Wait for them to breed in the community tank, or place them in a specialized breeding tank.

3. For a specialized breeding tank, use a foam filter that has been in the main tank for a week. The filter will catch beneficial microorganisms for the new water. Place a thin layer of gravel on the bottom of the tank. Depending on the species, you may also need a special decoration for egg-laying or spawning.

4. For breeding in a community tank, place a yarn mop or piece of peat moss in the tank to hold the eggs.

5. Encourage spawning by feeding high-protein and/or live feed. Some fish only breed in schools, while others should be isolated to discourage male aggression prior to spawning.

6. Some fish spawn in a rainy season. Simulate rainfall by removing some of the tank's water and replacing some of it with cold, fresh soft water each day.

7. Many fish will eat the eggs and fry of others or even their own. Thus, it is usually important to isolate fry or eggs following spawning. If spawned in a community tank, remove the yarn mop or peat and place in a raising tank. If spawned in a breeding tank, remove the parents and return them to the community tank.

8. If the species of fish is one that does not eat its own young, keep the parents with the fry.

Raising Fry

1. Be sure the fry-raising tank is equipped with a pump on low circulation to ensure the fry will not be sucked up.

2. Insuforia, green water, or egg yolk are good foods to feed the fry once they are ready to eat.

3. Since the fry tank has a pump with low circulation, change the water tank every week.

References

• Aquatic Community: Breeding/Rearing Aquarium
• Aquatic Community: Raising Fry
• Aquatic Community: Condition the Parents