Pets Information

Breeding Tetra Fish Successfully


If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding tetras, even if unknowingly. In the wild, tetras normally breed during the rainy season, but in the aquarium, they may breed year round. Female tetras are egg-scatters that typically fill with eggs every ten to fourteen days.

The female tetra indiscriminately sprays her eggs into clumps of fine-leaved plants. The eggs are adhesive and stick to the plants. However, tetras as well as other tank mates often find tetra eggs and small fry an irresistible delicacy.

If breeding tetras is your goal in keeping them, the best thing to do is to separate males and females. This allows you to keep control of breeding and improves your chance of achieving a successful hatch of fry. Smaller species of female tetras become sexually active at nine to twelve months old with larger species ready to breed at 1 ½ to 2 years of age.

Male tetras are generally a month or two older than females for successful spawning to take place.

Males are typically slimmer and more colorful than their female companions are. When viewed from above, the female tetra is distinguishably plumper and rounder because of the build-up of eggs within her body.

Two weeks before breeding tetras, separate males and females within the same tank. This is done simply by putting a clear divider between them, which not only gives you control of breeding but also stimulates spawning behavior since the fish are kept within sight of each other. Breeding tetras is also encouraged during the pre-spawn period by feeding them with high-quality live foods.

When ready to breed tetras, you'll get the best results by using a separate breeding tank, prepared with a peat filter and clean, aged water in which clumps of fine-leaved plants have been strategically placed. Three ways to complete your tank for breeding tetras are:

  • Drape the tank with nylon netting to allow the eggs to fall to the tank floor away from hungry adults.
  • Cover the tank floor with marbles to hide the eggs and protect them from cannibalism.
  • Plant fine-leaved plants or artificial spawning mops in seed trays filled with coarse gravel to trap the eggs and prevent them from being eaten.
  • Females should be placed in the breeding tank earlier than the males, usually the night before breeding. In addition to allowing her to settle in, it also puts the male in the position of having to court her on her own turf. This technique can deter any aggressive tendencies he may display. After introducing the male to the breeding tank, it's best to watch his introductory moves.

    Males often show aggressive behavior during spawning. If the male attacks a female, remove her and re-separate the pair. Another female can be tried or alternatively, two to three females can be introduced to the breeding tank to keep the male from focusing his attention on only one. Remove adult fish from the breeding tank immediately after breeding tetras.

    If you are interested in Tetra Fish, on our site we have a free e-book available about these wonderful creatures.

    Linda is author of Tetra Fish and Cichilds at aquarium-guides.com


    MORE RESOURCES:

    17 dead pets found in Oregon school's freezer
    The Associated Press
    School officials say a custodian cleaning up a trailer at an Oregon school found 17 dead pets in a freezer, including six cats. ...
    Custodian at North Portland school discovers 17 dead pets in freezerOregonLive.com
    17 Dead Pets Found In Freezer At SchoolKPTV Portland

    all 153 news articles »


    Pets left behind after Coppell tragedy adopted
    Dallas Morning News (blog)
    Coppell Neighborsgo editor Greg Tepper reports that all six pets left behind when Coppell Mayor Jayne Peters killed herself and daughter Corinne have been ...
    Coppell pets left behind by Peters tragedy settling into new homesDallas Morning News (blog)

    all 2 news articles »


    Preparing Your Pets For Disaster
    Trading Markets (press release)
    According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers' Association 2009 -- 2010 Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of American households have pets. ...

    and more »


    This Dish Is Veg (blog)

    Attention New Yorkers and Pet Lovers! Adoptapalooza Returns to NYC's ...
    PR Newswire (press release)
    PEOPLEpets.com), PEOPLE magazine's website for animal lovers and their pets. A new feature of the event is the participation of members the New York Breed ...
    Adoptapalooza event to help homeless pets this Sunday in NYCThis Dish Is Veg (blog)
    Grab your Leashes! 'Adoptapalooza' is Back!CBS New York

    all 10 news articles »


    San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

    San Bruno fire animal victims
    San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
    PHS/SPCA Humane Officers have been searching evacuated homes throughout the day to locate/secure pets and reunite them with owners at the Veterans Memorial ...
    San Bruno Pets Being Assisted By Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA, Dog And Cat ...The San Francisco Appeal
    San Bruno fire animal victims to be helped by Peninsula Humane Society (video)Examiner.com

    all 4 news articles »


    Amnesty period expires soon for residents to license their pets
    Bellevue Reporter
    Residents in Bellevue have September 30 to take advantage of an amnesty period for unlicensed pets before they face a no-tolerance fine. ...
    Amnesty period for unlicensed pets ends soonIssaquah Press

    all 2 news articles »


    Telegraph.co.uk (blog)

    New York Fashion Week: It's on, pets
    Boston Globe
    It's Anna Wintour, "Gossip Girl" Blake Lively in a graphic, beaded, and appropriate dress (T-4 days until the season premiere: ooh-la-la! ...
    Strap on your combat stilettos: It's Fashion's Night OutDallas Morning News
    Fashion Statement in New YorkThe Guardian

    all 1,175 news articles »


    StarNewsOnline.com (blog)

    You have a chance to grow your family by adopting a homeless pet this weekend
    ABC 4
    It's the '2010 Pet Super Adoption' at PetSmart at 389 West 1830 South in Salt Lake City. Tents are filled with dogs and cats ready to be adopted to a loving ...
    Mega pet adoption slated for weekendSan Antonio Express
    The Haven sponsors National Pet Adoption Weekend Sept. 11- 12Gulf Coast Newspapers
    Humane Society, PetSmart host adoption weekendWLOX
    Texarkana Gazette -NewsWest9.com -The Coloradoan
    all 14 news articles »


    Las Vegas traveling pet show will kick off tour in Phoenix
    AZ Central.com
    10, 2010 12:57 PM Popovich is a lively red-nosed clown and lifelong performer who is taking his Las Vegas-based Popovich Comedy Pet Theater on the road to ...

    and more »


    Life on the Links: 'Putts for Pets' benefits Herkimer Humane Society
    Utica Observer Dispatch
    The first Putts for Pets — A Golf and Music Fest is Sunday, Sept. 19, at Holland Heights Golf Course in Herkimer. The cost is $75, ...

    and more »

    Google News

    home | site map | First Rate Hosting
    © 2006 First Rate Hosting

    Powered By First Rate Hosting