Breeding Goldfish

Breeding goldfish is considered to be not so troublesome, but this is not entirely true. Success can only be achieved by providing proper conditions of detention and takes a lot of time and effort. If everything is done correctly, the result will certainly be positive, the main thing is attention to detail and patience.

Creating the necessary conditions

Step #1 Spawning should be planned in advance, it comes in the spring. By this time, you should prepare a separate (spawning) tank of at least 40 liters, prepare water and fill the tank. Within a few weeks, the processes of the nitrogen cycle will take place in it, and only then the water will become suitable for settlement.

Step #2 In the design of a spawning aquarium, natural materials and live plants for natural reproduction are preferred. It is recommended to use the plant Brazilian elodea, it grows well in various temperature conditions and forms dense thickets where the fry can find shelter.

Step #3 In the first month of spring, it is necessary to gradually change the diet of goldfish to include meat products, such as live or frozen bloodworms, as well as specialized food rich in protein. Feed 3 times a day in small portions. Do not overfeed the fish, any leftovers that are not eaten will sink to the bottom and pollute the water.

Step #4 The next step is to simulate the arrival of spring. In the main tank, the temperature gradually drops to 10–12°C, which triggers hormonal changes in the fish. The result can be achieved by turning off the heater and immersing plastic bags with ice water from the refrigerator in the water of the aquarium. When the temperature reaches the required level, it remains to wait for it to equalize with the room temperature.

Step #5 Throughout the time since the change in diet, the water should be renewed daily by 20%, which is of no small importance in stimulating the fish to reproduce, and also maintains good living conditions.

Sex determination and breeding pair isolation

Step #1 Sex differences are very weak, in order to correctly distinguish a female from a male, pay attention to the following anatomy features:

•  between the anus and the anal fin there is a hole from which sperm or eggs come out, depending on the sex. In females, it is round and convex;
•  if the fish is large, you can carefully take it in your hand. In the region of the anal fin, the belly of females is very soft, while in males, on the contrary, it is elastic;
•  the pectoral fins of females are rounded and noticeably shorter than those of males;
•  in general, males look larger, but this is a weak sign and should not be counted on. For example, if the female is older, then there may not be a difference in size, or even vice versa, she will be larger than the male;
•  during spawning, males develop small white bumps on their fins when they are ready to breed.

Step #2 You can also distinguish between male and female goldfish by their behavior. During the breeding season, the males begin to chase the females and follow them. Catch the female and place her in the spawning aquarium (water parameters must match the main aquarium), then add another fish – the intended male. If he shows interest, then you are not mistaken, and if he begins to calmly swim near or at the other end of the tank, then most likely this is a female.

Step #3 In the case when you have several females and males, they should be separated (if paired, do the same). Females / females are placed in the spawning aquarium, males at this time continue to be in the general aquarium. This should continue for a couple of weeks and only then the couples unite.

Breeding goldfish

Step #1 The best result is achieved when mating adult large and healthy fish with regular body and fin shapes. If there are many fish in the aquarium, it is recommended to choose the top three males and the top two females.

Step #2 Eating fish together. After the courtship procedure, the female lays eggs, and the male fertilizes it. You can spend time and watch the process, or you can go about your business, periodically looking to see if eggs have appeared on the plants.

Step #3 At home, goldfish are prone to eating their offspring, so you should not leave them for a long time. When spawning is over, they should be returned back to the general aquarium.

Step #4 The fry appear within 4-7 days, depending on the water temperature. It is recommended to feed with specialized food for juveniles, as well as ciliates, daphnia, etc.