Female Goldfish:
* Swollen abdomen: The most obvious sign. Her belly will look noticeably larger and rounder than usual.
* Reddened or orange vent: The vent, the opening at the bottom of her body, may become red or orange.
* Increased appetite: She might be eating more than usual to fuel her egg production.
* Restlessness and digging: She might swim around a lot and try to dig in the gravel.
* Holding her tail up: Some females might hold their tail up in the water while swimming.
Male Goldfish:
* White spots on their gills: This is a sign that they are releasing sperm.
* Chase the female: They will become more aggressive and chase the female around the tank.
Important Note: The best way to determine if a goldfish is about to lay eggs is to observe their behavior and appearance. You can also consult with an experienced aquarist or veterinarian.
Remember:
* Goldfish eggs are sticky and need to be attached to a surface like plants or gravel.
* It's best to remove the eggs to an incubator or separate tank if you want them to hatch.
* Goldfish can lay eggs even if there is no male present, but the eggs will not be fertilized.
Good luck with your goldfish breeding!