Basics About Breeding Tropical Fish For a Freshwater Aquarium

Basics About Breeding Tropical Fish For a Freshwater Aquarium

All fish keepers reach a particular stage when they decide that they want to breed their tropical fish. Breeding tropical fish is fun and a rewarding activity if done right. If you feel that you want to breed your prized tropical fish and grow the off springs then continue reading as this article will provide on tips for breeding tropical fish.

Terms Used and General Guidelines

Breeding fish is often called spawning and this is an act of reproduction in fish. Fry is the term used for baby fish that have just been born. The method of spawning will depend largely on the type of fish you have. While breeding tropical fish you should know that cichlids spawn in the substrate while tetras, goldfish and barbs spawn in plants. Killifish on the other hand spawn in peat.

Ways to induce spawning

The most popular way to induce spawning is to reduce the PH of the water to mimic the effect of nature. Rain water is acidic and in nature most fish spawn after rains. In order to lower the ph of the water you can use soak a piece of driftwood in water and then use that water during water changes. Large water changes also induce spawning for many fish. The right way to use this technique is to feed your fish frozen or live blood worms for 1 week and then change 50% of the water in the tank.

Ways to Spawn Fish

Different species of fish spawn in different ways. Livebearers like male guppies, mollies and swordtails impregnate the female using a gonopodium which is a modified anal fin in males. The female then becomes pregnant and gives birth to free swimming fry in 2 weeks. Livebearers are easy to spawn and no special techniques are needed to induce spawning. Since livebearers are well known for eating their own young it is always recommended to shift the pregnant female into another tank in order to save the fry. After the female spawns remember to take her out of the tank, because she might eat the fry too. Barbs, tetras and goldfish scatter the eggs in plants and the male then fertilizes the eggs. These fish are also known to eat their own fry and the best way to protect the fry is to move the eggs to a smaller tank. Anabantoids like betas and gouramis squeeze the eggs out of the female and the males simultaneously fertilize the eggs. Male anabantoids make good fathers and most people leave the male fish to take care of the fry for the first week. Cichlids spawn on pieces of rocks or they clear the substrate to lay eggs. Male cichlids fertilize the eggs after the female has laid them. Cichlids make good parents and both the parents take turns to watch the fry. Since cichlids show aggression to other tank mates during spawning the best thing to do is to shift the pair to another tank.

Spawning Tank

The size of the spawning tank will depend on the fish you are trying to breed. The spawning tank does not have to be as big as the main tank but it should be big enough for the female to get away in case things get rough. While breeding tropical fish you should remember that this tank should have completed the nitrogen cycle and it should have a sponge filter and a few plastic plants.

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