Ornamental Fish Production and Management (1+1)

Breeding set up for egg layers

AIM
To keep breeding set up for egg layers

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Egg layers, spawning tank, substrates

PROCEDURE

SPAWNING TANK SET UP FOR EGG-SCATTERERS

Because egg scatterers often eat their own eggs, the spawning tank has to be set-up so the eggs fall out of the reach of hungry parents. A 25-50 litre tank is sufficient for spawning for most egg scatterers. For egg scatterers like barbs and danios, which lay non-adhesive eggs, the spawning tank can be furnished with a substrate consisting of two layers of marbles or a nylon netting just above the tank floor. As the eggs are laid, they fall through the marbles or the netting out of the reach of the parents. After spawning is over, the eggs or the parents can be removed. For egg scatterers that lay adhesive eggs like tetras, the spawning tank should be furnished with a substrate. The tank should be planted with fine-leafed plants. The eggs are laid amongst plants, and adhere to the fine-leaves. The parents should be removed after spawning

SPAWNING TANK SET UP FOR EGG-DEPOSITORS

Depending on the type of egg depositor, the tank should be furnished differently. For those egg-depositors that care for their young, the parents can remain in the tank after spawning. Substrate spawners, depending on the species, should be given tanks with furnished glass panes, broad-leafed plants, or flat stones as spawning sites. Some species such as Discus and Angelfish prefer vertical surfaces. For cavity spawners, flowerpots turned on their side, coconut shells, and rocky caves are suitable spawning sites. The tank should be furnished with either live or plastic plants to give the fish a sense of security.

SPAWNING TANK SET UP FOR EGG-BURRIERS

A peat-moss substrate is one of the best substrates for egg-burying species. The peat moss can be removed after spawning and placed in a plastic bag to be stored for weeks to months (depending on the species). A new peat moss substrate can be placed in the tank for further spawning. In order to initiate hatching, the stored peat can be immersed in soft water.

SPAWNING TANK SET UP FOR MOUTH-BROODERS

Ovophile mouth-brooders can be bred in the main aquarium because the eggs are protected in the mouth cavity. However, it is better to separate mouth-brooders with eggs because of their potentially aggressive behavior. There are no special breeding tank requirements other than the usual tank set-up for the species. Larvophile mouth-brooders should be placed in a breeding tank because the eggs are not protected in the mouth, but laid on a surface.

SPAWNING TANK SET UP FOR NEST-BUILDERS

Nest-builders should be provided with material with which the nests are build. For bubble-nest builders, fine leafed and floating plants should be provided, species that build nests in the substrate should be given fine gravel or sand.

INFERENCE