The best way to save your baby fish from being eaten is to separate them from the adult fish as soon as possible and provide them with a safe and suitable environment. This will prevent the natural predation that occurs in fish tanks and ponds, and allow the fry to grow and thrive. In this article, we will explain how to do this in detail, and also give you some tips on how to care for your baby fish.
It may seem cruel and unnatural, but adult fish eating baby fish is a common and normal behavior in the aquatic world. There are several reasons why this happens, such as:
Hunger: Adult fish may not get enough food or the right type of food in captivity, and may resort to eating anything that fits in their mouth, including their own offspring.
Stress: Adult fish may feel stressed or threatened by the presence of other fish, especially if the tank or pond is overcrowded, dirty, or noisy. Stress can trigger aggression and territoriality, and make the fish more likely to attack or eat their young.
Instinct: Adult fish may have a natural instinct to cull the weak or sick fry, or to reduce the competition for resources and space. This is especially true for fish that live in harsh or unpredictable environments, where survival is a challenge.
Curiosity: Adult fish may simply be curious about the tiny, moving objects in their water, and may nibble or swallow them without realizing what they are.
How to separate baby fish from adult fish?
The best way to prevent adult fish from eating baby fish is to separate them as soon as possible. This can be done in different ways, depending on the type and number of fish you have, and the size and setup of your tank or pond. Here are some options:
Breeding tank: A breeding tank is a separate, smaller tank that is used to house the pregnant or spawning fish, and then the fry after they hatch or are born. This way, the adult fish are isolated from the rest of the community, and the fry are protected from any predators. A breeding tank should have a heater, a filter, a light, and some plants or decorations to provide shelter and hiding places for the fry. It should also have a tight-fitting lid to prevent the fry from jumping out or the adult fish from jumping in.
Breeding box: A breeding box is a small, transparent container that is attached to the inside of the main tank, and has small holes or slits to allow water circulation. It is used to hold the pregnant or spawning fish, and then the fry after they hatch or are born. This way, the adult fish are separated from the fry by a physical barrier, but still remain in the same water and environment as the rest of the community. A breeding box should have some plants or decorations to provide shelter and hiding places for the fry.
Breeding net: A breeding net is a fine mesh net that is suspended in the main tank, and has a frame to keep it in shape. It is used to hold the fry after they hatch or are born, and prevent them from escaping or being eaten by the adult fish. This way, the fry are separated from the adult fish by a physical barrier, but still remain in the same water and environment as the rest of the community. A breeding net should have some plants or decorations to provide shelter and hiding places for the fry.
Once you have separated your baby fish from your adult fish, you need to provide them with the proper care and conditions to help them grow and thrive. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Feed them frequently and appropriately: Baby fish need to eat more often than adult fish, as they have a faster metabolism and growth rate. You should feed them at least three times a day, or even more if possible. You should also feed them the right type of food, which should be small, soft, and nutritious. You can use specially formulated fry food, or crush or grind some flakes, pellets, or frozen food. You can also supplement their diet with live or frozen baby brine shrimp, micro worms, or daphnia, which are rich in protein and easy to digest.
Change the water regularly and carefully: Baby fish are more sensitive to water quality and parameters than adult fish, and can easily get sick or die from poor or fluctuating conditions. You should change the water in the breeding tank, box, or net at least once a week, or more often if the water gets cloudy or dirty. You should also use a gravel vacuum or a siphon to remove any waste or debris from the bottom. You should only change about 10 to 20 percent of the water at a time, and make sure the new water is dechlorinated, aged, and has the same temperature and pH as the old water. You should also avoid using any chemicals or medications in the water, unless absolutely necessary and recommended by a vet or an expert.
Monitor their health and growth: Baby fish are more prone to diseases and parasites than adult fish, and can also suffer from genetic defects or deformities. You should monitor their health and growth closely, and look for any signs of illness or abnormality, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating, swelling, redness, spots, fungus, or missing or damaged fins. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should isolate the affected fry and treat them accordingly, or consult a vet or an expert for advice. You should also keep track of their size and development, and move them to a larger tank or pond when they are big enough and ready to join the rest of the community.
Saving your baby fish from being eaten by your adult fish is not a difficult task, but it does require some planning and preparation. The best way to do this is to separate them from the adult fish as soon as possible and provide them with a safe and suitable environment. You should also feed them frequently and appropriately, change the water regularly and carefully, and monitor their health and growth. By following these steps, you can ensure that your baby fish will grow and thrive, and enjoy a long and happy life with you and your other fish.
