VPP 322: Aquatic Animal Diseases, Health Care and Management (1+1)

BREEDING OF LIVE BEARING ORNAMENTAL FISHES

• The male fish generally develops a thickened rod like organ called gonopodium in between the anal fins at puberty. It is normally pointed backward but can be moved at will sideward and forward. During mating, the tip of the gonopodium is inserted into the vent of the female and the spermatozoa are thereby injected and the eggs thus get fertilized. Though the female develops normally a gravid spot, the eggs are attached to the mother’s body only and are fed directly by her.  Mating occurs frequently and a male will mate with any female of the same species. The period of gestation depends more on temperature and the species selected for breeding. It is necessary to remove the bearing mother to a separate breeding tank long before she is expected to give birth. A medium sized female may deliver as many as 100 young ones at a time.

  

                  source: www.aquariumadvice.com