Breeding Scalar Fish: A Complete Guide
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Breeding angelfish, also known as scalarfish, is an exciting endeavor for aquarists. These majestic fish, with their elegant forms and graceful movements, are highly prized in the aquarium world. However, breeding them requires some preparation and careful care. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you successfully breed angelfish.
1. Preparing the Breeding Aquarium
Before you start breeding angelfish, it is essential to prepare a suitable environment for the breeding fish. Here are the key elements:
- Aquarium Size : A 100 litre aquarium is the minimum recommended for a pair of angelfish, but bigger is always better.
- Water quality : Maintain a temperature between 26°C and 28°C, a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 and a hardness of 3 to 8 dGH.
- Décor and substrate : Use a dark substrate and add tall plants, rocks and roots to provide hiding places and potential spawning surfaces. Angelfish prefer to spawn on vertical surfaces.
2. Selection of Breeders
Choosing the right breeders is crucial for successful breeding:
- Health : Select healthy fish, without signs of disease or stress.
- Compatibility : Observe fish to identify naturally occurring pairs. Angelfish are often monogamous and form strong pair bonds.
3. Conditioning of Breeders
Before putting them together for breeding, it is important to condition the angelfish with a rich and varied diet for several weeks. Offer them live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia to stimulate their preparation for breeding.
4. Reproduction
When conditions are optimal and the fish are ready, breeding can begin:
- Initial Separation : If you have multiple fish in the same tank, it may be helpful to move the breeding pair to a dedicated breeding tank.
- Behavior observation : The couple will begin cleaning a vertical surface to lay their eggs.
- Laying : The female will lay a row of eggs which the male will immediately fertilize. This process may be repeated several times until several hundred eggs are laid.
5. Egg Care
After laying, the parents usually take care of the eggs, fanning them with their fins to prevent mold and parasites. Here are some additional tips:
- Safety : If the eggs are threatened by other fish, it may be necessary to remove the other aquarium inhabitants or move the eggs to an incubator.
- Observation : Eggs usually hatch after 2 to 3 days.
6. Care of the Fry
Once the eggs hatch, the fry will remain attached to surfaces for a few days, feeding on their yolk sacs. Then they will begin to swim freely and search for food.
- Feeding : Start feeding the fry with infusoria, then gradually switch to brine shrimp nauplii.
- Water Quality : Maintain clean water with regular water changes to ensure healthy growth.
7. Growth and Separation
As the fry grow, it may be necessary to separate them based on size to avoid overcrowding and aggressive behavior. Make sure to provide them with enough space to grow and develop properly.
Conclusion
Breeding angelfish requires patience, preparation, and careful attention to detail. By following these steps and providing the best possible care, you can successfully breed these magnificent fish and enjoy their beauty and fascinating behavior in your aquarium. Good luck and happy breeding!