How to Breed Tropical Fish

When you find that you like keeping fish, you may want to breed them and sell the offspring. Breeding is a delicate process. Here are a few basics about the breeding process to help you decide if that is what you want to do.

Knowledge about tropical fish

First let’s learn about tropical fish and the way that they breed. Some fish are easy breeders and some need time and mood to breed. They can give birth to live young (called fry, like “small fry”) or lay eggs. With eggs, the female may lay them in crevices on the bottom, on the sides of the tank or in the open water so the male can come by and fertilize them. There are species that even store the eggs in their mouths

Species conducive to breeding

If you want to get into breeding, start with species that are easy to mate. Tetras usually need to set the “mood” so go with guppies or platys. Guppies are livebearers meaning that their babies come out swimming when they are born. Hence, it is very easy to breed guppies. When you get the hang of it, try the tetras, catfish or angelfish.

Get the correct gender of fish

Well you will need both male and female fish. If you have a tank full of one or the other, nothing is going to happen. A pet store can help you figure out if you have a good mix of male and female fish.

Watch the fish’ mating rituals

Watch their mating rituals – Your fish may be ready to breed when you see them pairing off. A male and female that fancy each other can be moved on to the next phase.

Breeding Tank

Create a breeding tank – It is best to breed your tropical fish in a separate tank. Most fish like clean environments to keep their eggs. Besides, fry is perfect food for many other fish and even the parents if they are in a community tank when they breed. The breeding tank will need to have the same pH, temperature and nutrient levels as the fish are used to. A fry net allows you to separate the babies from the parents as soon as they are born.

Food for baby fish

Buy appropriate baby food – Baby fish don’t eat the same thing as adult fish. Before you breed, find out what food you need to have on hand for them to eat. Baby fish are quite hungry and you will need to feed them right away.

Sell your new fish – Once the new fish reach a certain age, they are ready to find a place to live. Because they lay so many eggs, it is not logical to keep them all in one tank. Line up prospective buyers or new homes before you begin to breed.

Are you interested in creating new aquatic life? Learn the ins and outs of breeding so you can plan before you begin the process.