How to Breed Pencil Fish

There are many different types of pencil fish, and each type of pencil fish breeds in a slightly different way. However, all pencil fish are freshwater, and the most common types of pencil fish, such as the three-striped pencil fish, golden pencil fish, and red arc pencil fish are characins. Characins are a group of fish that lay their eggs in open water over areas of vegetation. By researching specific water requirements of your particular pencil fish species, and keeping in mind the basics of characin breeding, you can successfully breed pencil fish in the home aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Male and female aquariums
  • Live foods such as brine shrimp
  • Breeding aquarium
  • Water testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Pipette
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate the male and female pencil fish into two aquariums. Gender markers vary between pencil fish species, but the male fish are usually more colorful, while the female fish are usually slightly plumper than the males.

    • 2

      Feed the male and female pencil fish a diet of live foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. This rich diet will condition the fish, getting them ready to spawn.

    • 3

      Place a separate breeding aquarium in a quiet, dark area. Place tall, leafy plants in the aquarium. Also, scatter mossy aquatic plants, such as java moss, around the bottom of the aquarium. These plants will catch the eggs as they fall.

    • 4

      Use a water testing kit to test the pH level of the aquarium water. The pH level should be between 5 and 7.2. A more specific pH level depends on what type of pencil fish you're breeding, as each type requires a slightly different level. Use water additives to raise or lower the pH level if necessary.

    • 5

      Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water in the breeding aquarium. Exact temperature depends on the species of pencil fish, but it should be somewhere between 78 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Observe the male and female pencil fish in their separate aquariums. After a period of conditioning, you should notice the female fish becoming plumper as they develop eggs. The male pencil fish should become more colorful. Select one healthy, colorful male pencil fish and one plump female pencil fish and place them in the breeding aquarium.

    • 7

      Keep the room where the breeding aquarium is somewhat dark. The darkness often encourages the pencil fish to spawn. You can also cover the breeding aquarium with a cloth to block out light.

    • 8

      Wait for the pencil fish to breed. Spawning usually takes place about 48 hours after the pencil fish are introduced to the breeding aquarium, but some fish may need more time to adjust to their new habitats.

    • 9

      Watch the pencil fish carefully as they breed. Most pencil fish are egg eaters, and may even eat the eggs as they fall. You can carefully remove the eggs as they fall using a pipette. Remove the parent fish from the breeding aquarium as soon as the spawning has finished.