The first step in breeding goldfish is to make sure that they are fertile. Goldfish eggs are small and vulnerable to being eaten by the goldfish. If you’re planning to keep fertilized eggs in your goldfish tank, it’s best to keep them in a separate holding area.
This tank should have low water pressure and gentle water filtration so that the eggs and fry don’t get sucked into the filter.
Males have tubercles around their heads
The term goldfish encompasses several different species, all of which are members of the family Carassius auratus. Chinese, Korean, and Japanese breeders have created many different varieties of goldfish.
This versatile fish can sometimes be difficult to sex, but when the time comes to breed, male goldfish will develop tubercles on their heads and fins.
These nodules are the result of testosterone, a hormone produced by male goldfish. The number of tubercles can vary, with some appearing on pectoral fins and others distributed all over the goldfish’s body.
These nodules are a good indicator of whether a goldfish is a dominant or non-dominant male, and they help female goldfish pick mates.
Females are rounder
When they are sexually mature, female goldfish become gravid and start to lay eggs. The male will fertilize the eggs in the female’s vents. During spawning season, males will chase the female and bump her, causing her to release eggs.
Female goldfish should be fed only once a day. Breeding tubercles are whitish and are located on the female’s pectoral fins and scales.
The main difference between male and female goldfish is the shape of their bodies. Males will appear long and pointy, while females will be round and flat. Males will also have tubercles on their bodies when they begin to spawn, which look like small white bumps on the side.
Female goldfish will be rounder and plumper and the male will be more pointed and longer.
Males release milt to fertilize eggs
Once a female goldfish has spawned and released eggs, the male releases “milt” over the fertilized eggs. These droplets help develop the fertilized eggs. While some eggs will hatch during the first few days, many of them will not.
Fertilized eggs will be small and golden in color. They will eventually clear up and reveal a dark spot inside. Unfertilized eggs will remain milk-white but will darken over time.
To make a male goldfish release milt to fertilize eggs, gently squeeze the male’s belly toward the vent. The eggs should begin to squirt out with each stroke. Repeat this step until all the eggs are released.
If necessary, wait a few minutes before placing the female back into the male. Repeat the process with the second male. Once the eggs have been released, return the male to the tank and collect the milt he released.
Unfertilized eggs develop fungus
When it comes to caring for your fish, you must always be on the lookout for fungal infections. In case your fish is actively breeding in the main aquarium, you must be more vigilant because unfertilized eggs are at greater risk.
These eggs can have white patches called cotton-wool disease or even fungus. Unfertilized eggs, damaged or infertile ones, are especially vulnerable.
When caring for salmon eggs, it is very important to keep the temperature at 70-75oF. The water should be oxygenated and constantly circulated. You can also use an aerator to break up the scum on the surface. If you notice that some of the eggs are white, they are most likely infertile.
After two days, they will develop fungus and spread it to fertilized ones.
How to prevent goldfish from eating fertilized eggs
When goldfish lay their eggs, the parents may think of them as a tasty treat, but this is not the case. Larger goldfish will destroy the eggs, and if left in the community tank, they will be eaten by bigger fish.
To prevent this, you should keep the goldfish eggs in a separate tank, protected from large predators. The eggs are also important because they must grow into adult goldfish to survive.
When caring for goldfish, it’s important to keep the water clean. Even unfertilized eggs can harbor germs and fungi, and dirty water will also affect the development of the fry. It’s best to change the water daily, at least 20%, and remove any unfertilized eggs.
You can also install a decent filter, such as one with a low current that won’t harm the newly hatched fry. You can also add air pumps, which aerate the water. Other equipment, such as heaters, can control the water temperature, promote spawning, and control the development of eggs.
Getting a goldfish to spawn
Goldfish spawn in an aquarium when they become mature. Eggs are white and contain the nitrogen-containing derivative of tryptophan, pteridine. This is the same compound that forms yellow and orange pigments in goldfish skin.
Some eggs float in the water column, while others sink to the bottom. The eggs hatch after two to four days. To encourage spawning, you must have clean water in the tank. Make sure to change the water every day.
First, select the fish for breeding. The ideal ratio is three males and two females. Ensure the males are healthy and the water temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.
If possible, add brine shrimp to the tank, which simulates the natural diet of the males in the spring. The optimum temperature to breed goldfish is around 20 degrees Celsius, so make sure the water is free of other chemicals and debris.
