How to Breed Freshwater Ornamental Fish

Many ornamental fish breed well in aquariums. Some, however, such as the clown loach, hesitate in captivity. There are various nuances to breeding particular species, but the general guidelines are the same. Characins and cyprinids should be taken out of the breeding tank right after they lay eggs because they might eat them, whereas bubble-nesters and cichlids stay to care for their young. You might not be able to see the eggs when you breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Fry food
  • Adult fish food
  • Breeding pair
  • Marble or gravel substrate
  • Live or fake plants
  • Floating nest site (bubble-nesters)
  • Breeding box (livebearers)
  • PH test strips
  • Ammonia test strips
  • Nitrate test strips
  • Water conditioner
  • Water heater
  • Breeding aquarium
  • Conditioning aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose parent fish. Select a brother and sister from a breeder. Store-bought fish don't have guaranteed pedigrees. They might produce unhealthy fry. Try to buy the parents before they are at breeding age.

    • 2

      Put the fish into an aquarium that has at least a gallon of water per fish.

    • 3

      Check the pH, nitrate and ammonia levels. The ideal pH will vary from age to age. Most fish will be reluctant to breed if the ammonia levels are over 20 parts per million.

    • 4

      Set up a separate breeding tank to house the fry post-birth or hatch.

    • 5

      Put each parent inside the breeding tank. Watch them spawn to ensure they do. Most adults will spawn within a couple of hours of being together in the breeding box.

    • 6

      Feed the young fish fry after they hatch. Hatching could take a few hours to a couple of days. Switch to regular fish food when the fry are large enough.

    • 7

      Carefully monitor the water conditions to ensure the health of your fry.