How to Breed Blue Fin Killifish
The blue fin killifish is a small fish that grows to about two and a half inches long. Also called blue fin topminnow, the brightly colored fish are often targeted by larger fish as a source of food. These small fish are active, docile and beautiful, which makes them an obvious choice for pet owners. Most killifish species come from tropical areas in Africa and parts of South America.
Items Needed:
- Two- two and a half gallon aquariums
- Several breeding mops
- Thermometer
- Aquarium heater
- Sponge filtration
- Brine shrimp or quality fish food
- Purchase male and female blue fin killifish for the breeding. The male fish are the brightly colored ones while the female are brown with very little color contrast.
- Put the pair of killifish in a prepared two and a half gallon tank aquarium. Ensure that the water conditions are right, such as pH and temperature. Do not introduce other fish into the aquarium when you are breeding them. Use “spawning mops” that are made of wool or other sort fabrics in your aquarium or you can add java moss or other peat.
- Keep the fish well fed with a nutritious diet consisting of mosquito larvae, insects or shrimp.
- Monitor the temperature in the aquarium and maintain the water at the appropriate temperature to encourage breeding. Install a thermometer and monitor the 60-69 degree Fahrenheit range.
- Check the progress of the breeding frequently. The killifish spawn repeatedly over the span of several days. The eggs are laid on the spawning mops available at pet stores, or make your own with a cork and dark yarn. Dark breeding mops allow breeders to see the eggs.
- Remove the breeding mop when eggs appear and replace it with a new one. Place the breeding mop with eggs into the other hatchery aquarium. Ensure the temperature and water conditions match the breeding tank.
- Choose the above method or try this. Keeping the breeding mop in the breeding aquarium and gently remove the eggs by hand every day. This lowers the amount of time necessary to replace breeding mops every day. The fish hatch within 10 to 14 days.
- Feed the fry or ‘baby fish’ with brine shrimp and other small live foods. Fry grow rapidly and require a constant supply of food. Keep the fry isolated from other fish to ensure their survival.