So, I recently caught the breeding bug. After viewing all sorts of different goldfish I've decided to give it a go. My plan:
Thanks
- Make 5 pairs of Ranchus each of a varying type. Hopefully, if I can find them I'll try and get adults that I can sex.
- Give each pair their own tank(the size of the tank may vary depending on factors). Then wait a few months until the fish acclimate and show sighs of wanting to breed, i.e. male chasing female. My understanding is that dropping the temperature and then raising it, along with increasing quality and quantity of food will help set the mood.
- Now from what I've read I now have a choice, either let the fish naturally spawn, or artificially coax them into spawning. Advantage of the later being fewer eggs are lost from being eaten, disadvantage it is considerably more stressful. Honestly I have no idea which to choose so recommendations would be appreciated.
- After moving the adults to their own tank,(all pairs will share this tank). I drop the water level of the original tanks to prevent the eggs from being crushed, (I read this but I doubt it is necessary), and to improve oxygenation of the eggs.
- About 5-7 days later the eggs should hatch, after which I'll slowly increase the water level. Once the fry lose their yolk sacs and become opaque I'll reintroduce the filtration system, but with the appropriate modifications for fry, such as a sponge or sock over the intake and a decreased suction power.
- Now how large would an aquarium have to be to support the fry from eggs to around 3 inches? Or is it even practical to try?
- The fry will be fed small live foods such a daphinia and brine shrimp, and slowly weened to pellets.
Thanks