How to Make My Fish Reproduce

Breeding fish can be an exciting, worthwhile pastime or a successful, profitable profession. Getting your fish to reproduce can range from being very easy to more difficult, depending on the type of fish you are trying to breed, the fish's environment and the overall care you provide. A few lucky fish owners are surprised when they see fry, or young fish, swimming around the tank without having tried to make the fish mate. For others, following a few simple steps will boost your chances of getting your fish to reproduce.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium filter
  • Aquarium tank plants
  • Suitable food
  • Siphon
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Instructions

    • 1
      Choose healthy fish to improve chances of successful breeding.

      Choose about six fish to breed so that each may find their own mating partner. Select fish that are energetic, healthy and have not been exposed to disease. Check that the fish's body and fins are intact and unscathed. Research the kind of fish you are trying to breed to help you select those that have the best chance of reproducing. Consult with a pet store associate or fish expert if you have further questions about how to select fish to breed.

    • 2
      Avoid changing the water and filter more than once a week to avoid disturbing the fish.

      Ensure that your fish's environment promotes excellent filtration and water quality. Install an aquarium filter if your tank does not already use one. The aquarium filter will remove harmful particles from the water, which will improve water quality. If it suits the breed of fish you have selected, remove the gravel from the tank to avoid having harmful bacteria build up at the bottom of the tank. Use a siphon to gently remove any floating debris to avoid having to change the water entirely.

    • 3
      Refer to a fish breeding resource to find out what kind of mating environment your fish prefer.

      Mimic the fish's natural environment during their breeding season when setting up your tank. Some fish breed in warmer water or seek refuge in plants, so provide your fish the environmental aspects they prefer for mating. Achieve this by altering the water temperature in the tank, adding tank plants or making any other subtle changes needed.

    • 4
      Try feeding your fish live foods, fresh frozen foods or spirulina-based foods to promote breeding.

      Provide your fish an adequate diet. Feed the as often as they are hungry, but do not feed them more than they can eat in one feeding. Leftover food will settle at the bottom of the tank, causing build-up, which can hinder fish reproduction.

    • 5
      Knowing your fish's mating behavior will help you to know if your fish are on the right track.

      Wait for a period of time ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of fish you are breeding, to see if your fish breed. Research the mating rituals of your fish so you can observe and better gauge their behavior.