If your fish has babies, the first thing you need to do is separate the parents from the fry (baby fish) to prevent cannibalism. Then, you need to provide the fry with a suitable environment, food, and care to ensure their survival and growth.
Having fish babies in your aquarium can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you need to take if your fish has babies, and answer some common questions you may have along the way.
One of the most important things you need to do if your fish has babies is to separate the parents from the fry as soon as possible. This is because many fish species, especially livebearers (such as guppies, mollies, platies, and swordtails), will eat their own offspring or other fish’s offspring if given the chance. This is a natural instinct that helps them reduce competition and ensure their own survival.
There are two main ways you can separate the parents from the fry: using a breeding box or using a separate tank.
Using a breeding box
A breeding box is a small container that hangs inside your main aquarium and has small holes or slits that allow water to flow through. You can use a breeding box to isolate the pregnant female fish before she gives birth, or to transfer the fry after they are born. The advantage of using a breeding box is that it is easy and inexpensive, and it allows the fry to stay in the same water parameters as the main tank. The disadvantage is that it can stress the fish, and it can limit the space and oxygen available for the fry.
If you use a breeding box, make sure to choose one that is large enough for the fish, and that has a divider or a separate compartment to keep the mother and the fry apart. You should also monitor the water quality and temperature inside the breeding box, and perform regular water changes to keep it clean and fresh.
Using a separate tank
A separate tank is a better option if you have the space and budget for it. A separate tank will provide more room and comfort for the fry, and it will allow you to control the water conditions and filtration more easily. You can use a separate tank to move the pregnant female fish before she gives birth, or to transfer the fry after they are born. The advantage of using a separate tank is that it will reduce the stress and risk of predation for the fry, and it will give them a better chance to grow and thrive. The disadvantage is that it can be more costly and time-consuming, and it will require you to cycle and maintain another aquarium.
If you use a separate tank, make sure to choose one that is at least 10 gallons in size, and that has a heater, a filter, and a lid. You should also match the water parameters and temperature of the main tank as closely as possible, and acclimate the fish gradually to the new tank. You should also add some plants, rocks, or decorations to provide hiding places and cover for the fry.
How to provide the fry with a suitable environment, food, and care
Once you have separated the parents from the fry, you need to provide the fry with a suitable environment, food, and care to ensure their survival and growth. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Keep the water temperature stable and within the optimal range for the fish species. Generally, fry prefer warmer temperatures than adults, around 78 to 82°F (25 to 28°C).
Keep the water quality high and avoid ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate spikes. Perform regular water changes of 10 to 20% every week, and use a gravel vacuum or a siphon to remove any waste or uneaten food from the bottom of the tank.
Keep the water flow gentle and avoid strong currents or turbulence. You can adjust the filter output or use a sponge filter or an air stone to create a gentle water movement.
Keep the lighting moderate and provide a day-night cycle. You can use a timer or a dimmer to regulate the lighting, and avoid sudden changes or bright lights that can stress the fry.
Keep the tank secure and prevent any escape or intrusion. You can use a tight-fitting lid or a mesh cover to prevent the fry from jumping out or any other fish or pets from getting in.
Food
Feed the fry small and frequent meals of high-quality and nutritious food. You can feed them 3 to 4 times a day, and only as much as they can consume in a few minutes.
Feed the fry food that is appropriate for their size and type. You can use commercially available fry food, such as flakes, pellets, or powder, or you can use live or frozen food, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, micro worms, or blood worms. You can also use a blender or a mortar and pestle to grind or crush adult food into smaller pieces for the fry.
Feed the fry food that is varied and balanced. You can use a combination of different food sources to provide the fry with a range of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. You can also supplement the fry’s diet with some algae or vegetable matter, such as spirulina, lettuce, or cucumber.
Monitor the fry’s health and behavior regularly and look for any signs of illness or stress, such as clamped fins, faded colors, erratic swimming, or loss of appetite. If you notice any problems, consult a veterinarian or an expert for advice and treatment.
Monitor the fry’s growth and development and track their progress. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to measure the fry’s length, and a scale or a weighing machine to measure their weight. You can also take pictures or videos of the fry and compare them over time.
Monitor the fry’s sex and compatibility and plan ahead for their future. Depending on the fish species, you may be able to tell the sex of the fry by their color, shape, or size. You may also need to consider the compatibility of the fry with each other and with other fish, and decide whether you want to keep them, sell them, or give them away.
Conclusion
If your fish has babies, you need to take some steps to ensure their safety and well-being. You need to separate the parents from the fry, provide the fry with a suitable environment, food, and care, and monitor their health, growth, and compatibility. By following these tips, you can enjoy the rewarding experience of raising fish babies and watching them grow into healthy and beautiful adults.
