Fish Mating

Every organism multiplies by reproducing its own kind, and nowadays, there are diverse means to reproduce with the modern methods of science.

Nevertheless, the fish reproduction process is always not the same because they could either lay eggs or live-bearers, just like any mammal.

A Must-Read: Top Fish Tank Heaters

Egg-Laying

The egg-laying process involves the female fish laying eggs that were inseminated by the male sperm cells. This occurrence is called “oviparity.”

For example, the paradise fish was renowned for building the bubble nest where they hid the fertilized eggs until they are ready to hatch while being attended by the male paradise fish.

When you happen to spawn them in the aquarium, it is best to separate the eggs from their parents after the eggs were hatched.

Live-bearing

Just like any other sexual intimacy, the male fish transmits his sperms into the female fish through the “gonopodium” or the anal fin.

When the sperm is discharged, it would internally fertilize the egg cells of the female fish.

There were a lot of interesting phenomena concerning live-bearing.

Research shows that every fish with this kind of breeding orientation is most likely to survive to any wider range of water conditions because it is easier for them to breed.

Hermaphroditic Fishes

This is the interesting part because they are either egg-layers or live-bearers. When you speak about hermaphroditic fishes, it solely means that even a male fish bears a female sex organ, while a female fish bears otherwise.

Eventually, their young ones at birth have a temporary sexual orientation. Take, for example, a clownfish, and if they are born male, then there is still a higher chance that they can interchange into a female fish.

Such cases are called “sequential hermaphroditism.” The “Protogyny” indicates that the female fish becomes a male, while the “Protandry” transforms male fish into females.

To set up a home for fish can be pretty challenging, but breeding them would be easier if you put them in the right place.

Always consider their size and age, and you have to know how to determine what their sex is.

For healthy breeding, you should include fish foods rich in protein for 3-5 days consecutive to increase their breeding success rate.

Also, once you distinguish their sex, it is best to separate them.

Conclusion

Fish are not like humans who have a parental instinct. That’s why after laying eggs, the eggs should be watched closely, and you have to make a separate aquarium for them.

If parents and young fishes are put together, the young ones may be eaten by their parents. According to studies, it may be the aftermath of the parent’s sexual behavior.

Of course, it is best to keep your research about their breed for more understanding of fish mating because every fish has its lifestyle, too.