So let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel

[ukclaire]

Do fish breed all year round...? or are there seasons like other animals...?

Regards
Claire

and this question came up because that song is stuck in my head even though I haven't heard it in ages. :rolleyes:

[OrionGirl]

There are in fact spawning seasons for many fish. Most relate to the temperature of the water and correspond roughly with 'spring' conditions. For some, this means warmer temps, more daylight, and the appearance of more food animals (ie, bugs are laying eggs and hatching as well). In other areas, the sudden infusion of cool water, simulating a spring rain, will bring about spawning. In others, it's the presense of the opposite sex, along with the good food. For some fish, especially danios, they lay eggs all the time, but the eggs or any surviving fry are eaten by other fish, and often by the parents.

If you are thinking of breeding a certain species you can liekly find some guidelines for success. Many aquarium fish are bred in the aquarium often.

[ukclaire]

Ahhh...so basically the tank set up and feeding routine means they can spawn all year round.

I wonder how many tanks you can fit in our lounge...? no must not think like that. :D

Thanks again.
Claire

[OrionGirl]

For many species, that's exactly it. There are a great number of species that we do not know what kick starts spawning events. For example, I have one tank that is almost over run with kuhli loaches--started out with 3, and now have lost count. Kuhli's are on the list of fish that are difficult to breed--and I can't get mine to stop!

for many SW fish, feeding the young is the hard part. Many SW fish undergo a pelagic, free floating stage, feeding on plankton. It's hard to provide enough food without polluting the tank, or having filtration that doesn't suck the young up and kill them. Captive breeding is a specialized hobby all of it's own.

[ukclaire]

I wasnt planning on breeding at all but I know accidents do happen.

If I get as much info as I can - I can try and at least be prepared. Thats one of the reasons I bought a new tank at the weekend. I want Clown Loaches and I know they need quarentining first.

Again...thanks

Claire