How to Breed Gold Killifish

The gold killifish, also known as the golden wonder killifish, is a color variety of the striped panchax killifish. These are slender fish, and grow to about 4 inches long. Although the striped panchax killifish comes in several color varieties, the gold killifish is one of the most striking. The males are bright yellow, while the females are yellow with dark stripes. Killifish are known as difficult fish to keep in the aquarium, as they have very specific needs. However, gold killifish are more hardy, according to Animal World. They are considered much easier both to keep and to breed than other types of killifish.

Things You'll Need

  • Separate male, female, breeding, and hatching aquariums
  • Live fish foods
  • Egg mops
  • Water testing kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate the male and female gold killifish, and place them in two separate freshwater aquariums. The male gold killifish is more brightly colored than the female. Some female gold killifish will display dark bars along their bodies. Male killifish are also usually larger, with longer fins, including a more pointed tail fin.

    • 2

      Feed the male and female killifish a diet of live foods. These live foods could include bloodworms or brine shrimp. Separating the males and females, and then feeding them a nutrient-rich diet is a technique known as conditioning. Conditioning helps to physically ready the fish for spawning. It also encourages spawning. Condition the fish for at least a week, and up to two weeks.

    • 3

      Set up a freshwater breeding aquarium. The aquarium does not need to be large. A 10-gallon aquarium will work.

    • 4

      Fill the bottom of the aquarium with egg mops. Eggs mops are where the fish will lay their eggs. Egg mops are usually mossy aquatic plants, such as java moss, but artificial egg mops can also be purchased or made.

    • 5

      Monitor the temperature of the water in the breeding aquarium. In order for the gold killifish to feel comfortable enough to breed, the temperature should remain around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Use a water testing kit to measure the pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium. Gold killifish are most comfortable with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Additives can be used to raise or lower this level if you need to.

    • 7

      Place at least one male and one female killifish in the breeding aquarium. More fish can be placed in the aquarium if you are looking to breed in larger numbers, but a single pair allows you to closely monitor the breeding.

    • 8

      Wait for the killifish to breed. This will happen when the fish are comfortable, which will occur naturally in a day or so. The male will dance around the female, displaying himself. The female will look for a spot to breed when she̵7;s interested, and the fish will spawn. Spawning can go on for several weeks, with new eggs being laid every day.

    • 9

      Remove the eggs as they are laid, and place them in a separate aquarium with no other fish in it to keep them safe from their parents, who will eat them.