Help me understand fish breeding...

[Industrial]

I don't honestly understand why so many fish keepers want to breed their fish, but that's their call. It's hard for me to find the desire because I believe if you're breeding animals, you should have a purpose beyond just making more. Even with fish... My husband and I breed horses and for us, we wouldn't breed two horses if we didn't think the foal would be exceptional. If you're not improving on something, to my way of thinking, why do it? BUT, it's good for me that other people do breed fish I suppose, because if not, I wouldn't have any fish in my tanks

Personally I would want all my fish to breed (or just lay eggs eventually). I know with some species though it is just not going to happen though. When your fish breed it is a sign that they are doing great and you can provide the minimum that they need to continue all of their life functions. Also it's really cool to watch the young develop from different species and you can learn about different species' parenting methods.

 

[coach_z]

most fry will get eaten. i have platties which are known for their breeding and i have had 3 fry survive in 5 years. which is fine because i lost two platties so i am only really up 1 fish.

You can try to take away all situations that would allow breeding, but it will still happen. Kind of like two teenage kids.

 

[OldMan47]

There are a few simple reasons for breeding fish Jill-O. The first one I have is that unlike horses, the fish in my tanks are composed mostly of endangered and threatened species, at least by the IUCN standards. That means that if nobody gives them a place to breed the next step is actual extinction. In one case, a fish that I breed is one that has not existed in thwe wild for over 20 years. It may just be my own pride running rampant but I consider preserving a species a worthwhile endeavor. Without my experience breeding simpler fish, I would be in trouble trying to breed and preserve these fish.

 

[Jill-O]

Just to clarify, I'm not opposed to others breeding fish (not at all), just stating why to me, breeding fish isn't something of interest.

The only animals I've ever owned that I've bred are horses (and I've always had animals). It's something I have put a ton of time and thought into. We breed champion x champion. It's hard not to apply that perspective to my own thoughts of having other animals we own reproduce.

Reading some of the remarks here, though, I do see why breeding fish appeals to some of you. I can appreciate why you would find it rewarding.

 

[excuzzzeme]

Along with breeding to extend an otherwise extinct species, other reasons are sales to help pay for the hobby, to propagate a desired trait, education or to use as a food source for other fish. There are perhaps many more reasons for breeding given by those that do. Along with responsible breeding there are those that lack any responsibility or education. It's a double edged sword.

Unlike horses, puppies or kittens, unwanted off-spring can be given "The Great Flush" which causes people to be less than intelligent in their care.

 

[Jill-O]

The bad thing is that some people who breed dogs, cats and horses also cull through one means or another (not us, though).

 

[Haydn24]

You can try to take away all situations that would allow breeding, but it will still happen. Kind of like two teenage kids.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::lol:

 

[SubRosa]

I expect two things from every FW fish I keep: that they'll reproduce and die of old age!