Things You Will Need for Breeding Goldfish

The Chinese developed goldfish around 400 AD. Since then, a variety of strains has been produced and the enthusiast can spawn all of these goldfish types if the fish are offered certain living conditions. Goldfish are resilient, but still require spacious aquariums or ponds that are correctly filtered. These fish should be conditioned prior to breeding. Live foods like earthworms are ideal for preparing goldfish for breeding season.

  1. Ponds

    • Goldfish have traditionally been kept in ponds. These cold-water fish will spawn in early spring, once water temperature rises. Goldfish typically begin to breed in outdoor ponds during May and June. Male goldfish chase after and ram females to encourage them to release their eggs or roe. Females are frequently forced against the sides of ponds during this pursuit. A female can lose scales and tear fins if more than one male is pushing her against the pond sides. Ponds, in which the hobbyist plans to breed goldfish, should therefore have smooth cement walls.

    Aquariums

    • Many fish-keepers house goldfish in indoor aquariums. Goldfish thrive and breed in tanks, provided they are large enough and correctly filtered. A 30-gallon aquarium is suitable to house an adult pair of fancy goldfish. Fancy goldfish strains in particular are plump-bodied fish and produce plenty of waste. The metabolic waste from these fish becomes toxic if allowed to build up in the water. Beneficial bacteria, which coat the filter material in biological filters, convert these toxins into harmless products. Filters used on goldfish tanks should include a mechanical and chemical filter compartment. Mechanical filter material including floss physically traps the larger pieces of uneaten food and decomposing aquatic plants, while the chemical media assist to keep the water pure.

    Spawning Mops

    • Goldfish eggs are adhesive and stick to aquatic plants in the absence of other spawning material. Female goldfish are attracted to spawning mops, which are often a choice among fish-keepers because they can be removed from the pond or aquarium after the female has passed through them and laid her eggs. The mops, with eggs attached, can be placed in a rearing pond, which is most suitable for hatching and rearing goldfish fry. Spawning mops, which comprise many strands of acrylic yarn tied together at the top, are available from aquatic dealers.

    Diet

    • Goldfish should be fed a high-quality commercial diet in preparation for breeding. This pellet or flake food must be supplemented with live foods including earthworms, adult brine shrimp and daphnia. Goldfish are omnivores whose diet can include blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini. All uneaten green should be removed from the pond or aquarium daily.