How to Take Care of Baby Fish

Taking care of baby fish, or fry, primarily requires monitoring the habitat that the baby fish are in. Health and environmental factors of the baby fish that need close attention include water temperature, water quality, water movement, food and safety. When these health and environmental factors are maintained, baby fish are somewhat resilient and thrive on their own, as long as they do not become food for larger fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish net
  • Aquarium divider
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Aquarium light or heater
  • Aquarium freshwater test kits
  • Baby fish food
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Instructions

  1. Separate Larger Fish from Baby Fish

    • 1

      Insert an aquarium divider into the tank to separate larger fish from baby fish, as the larger fish will eat the fry.

    • 2

      Catch larger fish using a fish net and put them on one side of the divider.

    • 3

      Make sure both sides of the divider have plants or objects available for cover and hiding and that the majority of water movement is on the side where the larger fish reside.

    Monitor Water Temperature

    • 4

      Attach the aquarium thermometer to the side of the aquarium to monitor water temperature. Ideal water temperature is between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 5

      Add heat sources when readings are below 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an aquarium heater or increase the lighting.

    • 6

      Reduce heat when readings are above 82 degrees Fahrenheit by decreasing light or turning down the thermostat on an aquarium heater.

    Monitor Water Quality

    • 7

      Use the fresh water test kits to check chemical levels of the tank.

    • 8

      Add recommended chemicals from the to achieve optimum chemical levels in the aquarium.

    • 9

      Perform water quality tests weekly, making necessary adjustments.

    Feeding Baby Fish

    • 10

      Crush fish food and feed small amounts two or three times daily.

    • 11

      Avoid overfeeding. Do not allow large amounts of food to rest on the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 12

      Purchasing baby fish food is optional.