Goldfish Breeding

The More Cover The Better

Pond bred fry are not as likely to need artificial feeding to the same degree as those hatched in a small container, in fact it is possible that the fry in the pond will not be visible to you for about a month from hatching. The more cover in the pond, from all types of water plants, the better the chance of success but the less chance of you seeing the fry for some time. In a fair sized pond which is well established there is little need for any artificial feeding of fry for about a month and then a little dried food can be sprinkled on the surface of the water in warm weather. This may be the first time you see the fry—if you keep at a distance and are very quiet.

For the specialist breeder the above method of breeding will not be good enough. Where particular fishes are needed for spawning then it is imperative that the fishes are caught from the pond and spawned in a tank or small pond so that there is more control. In the open pond all of the male fishes may take part in a spawning and so the specialist breeder may get crosses which are not wanted. If the actual fish with which it is intended to breed are separated it is easy to keep to a special pair or trio. I like to use a good sized fairly shallow tank for spawning. See that there is plenty of water weed in this tank and see that the water is changed before the spawning time. Leave the water to sweeten for about a week and then put in the male fish. After three days or so the female fish can be added. Spawning may take place in a day or two. Once the eggs are laid you must remove the fish immediately, as no chances can be taken with specimen fishes. This method always seems to ensure plenty of fertile eggs and a consequent good hatching. The treatment of the fry will be the same as that already described.

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