The answer to this question depends on the type of fish you have, the size of your tank, and your goals as a fish keeper. Some fish are more likely to eat their own offspring, while others will protect them. Some tanks are too small or crowded to accommodate baby fish, while others have enough space and hiding places. Some fish keepers want to breed their fish and raise the fry, while others prefer to keep the population under control.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of removing baby fish from the tank, and provide some tips on how to do it safely and effectively. We will also discuss some alternatives to removing baby fish, such as using a breeder box, a separate tank, or natural methods.
There are several reasons why you might want to remove baby fish from the tank. Here are some of the most common ones:
To prevent predation. Many fish species, especially carnivorous ones, will eat their own or other fish’s fry if they get the chance. This is a natural way of controlling the population and ensuring only the strongest survive. However, if you want to save the baby fish, you will need to remove them from the tank before they become a snack for their parents or tank mates.
To prevent overcrowding. Even if your fish do not eat their fry, they might still produce more offspring than your tank can handle. Overcrowding can lead to stress, disease, aggression, and poor water quality. If you do not have enough space or resources to upgrade your tank or set up a new one, you will need to remove some of the baby fish to avoid these problems.
To breed selectively. If you are interested in breeding your fish for a specific purpose, such as enhancing a certain trait, creating a new variety, or producing show-quality specimens, you will need to remove the baby fish from the tank and sort them according to your criteria. This will allow you to choose the best candidates for breeding and cull the ones that do not meet your standards.
To sell or give away. If you have more baby fish than you can keep, you might want to sell or give them away to other fish keepers. This can be a rewarding way of sharing your hobby and making some extra money. However, you will need to remove the baby fish from the tank and prepare them for transport or delivery.
If you decide to remove baby fish from the tank, you will need to do it carefully and gently to avoid harming them or stressing them out. Here are some steps to follow:
Wait until the baby fish are big enough to catch. Depending on the species, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. You want to make sure the baby fish are large enough to see and handle, but not so large that they can escape or hide easily. You also want to avoid disturbing the parents or the fry while they are still very young and vulnerable.
Use a small net or a turkey baster. These are the best tools for catching baby fish, as they are gentle and precise. A small net can scoop up the fry without injuring them, while a turkey baster can suck them up without creating too much suction. Avoid using large or coarse nets, as they can damage the baby fish or trap them in the mesh.
Transfer the baby fish to a container with tank water. As soon as you catch the baby fish, put them in a clean and sturdy container filled with water from the same tank. This will reduce the shock and stress of moving them to a new environment. Make sure the container has a lid or a cover to prevent the baby fish from jumping out or spilling over.
Move the container to a safe and quiet place. Once you have collected all the baby fish you want to remove, move the container to a place where they will not be disturbed by noise, light, or movement. This will help them calm down and adjust to the change. You can also add some plants, rocks, or hiding places to the container to make them feel more secure.
After you have removed the baby fish from the tank, you have several options on what to do with them. Here are some of the most common ones:
Put them in a breeder box. A breeder box is a small plastic or mesh box that hangs inside the tank and separates the baby fish from the rest of the fish. It allows the baby fish to stay in the same water and temperature as the main tank, but protects them from predators and competition. A breeder box is a good option if you want to keep the baby fish in the same tank, but do not have enough space or hiding places for them.
Put them in a separate tank. A separate tank is a completely different aquarium that houses only the baby fish. It gives the baby fish more room to grow and swim, and allows you to control the water parameters, filtration, and feeding more easily. A separate tank is a good option if you have enough space and resources to set up and maintain another tank, and if you want to breed or raise the baby fish for a long time.
Use natural methods. Natural methods are ways of letting nature take its course and allowing the baby fish to survive or perish on their own. Some examples of natural methods are adding more plants, rocks, or driftwood to the tank to create more hiding places for the baby fish, or introducing some predators or competitors to the tank to reduce the number of baby fish. Natural methods are a good option if you do not want to interfere with the natural balance of the tank, and if you do not mind losing some or most of the baby fish.
Removing baby fish from the tank is a decision that depends on many factors, such as the type of fish, the size of the tank, and your goals as a fish keeper. There are pros and cons to removing or keeping the baby fish, and you will need to weigh them carefully before making your choice. If you decide to remove the baby fish, you will need to do it gently and safely, and provide them with a suitable environment for their growth and development. Whether you choose to keep, sell, or give away the baby fish, you will need to take good care of them and enjoy the rewarding experience of watching them grow.
