The cockerel fish is one of the most spectacular species that pleases aquarists not only with its bright color, lush tail and fins, but also with fighting enthusiasm. However, the breeding of cockerels requires special care, because the male will look after the caviar, and the fish become especially aggressive during this period.
Instructions
Step 1
For breeding rooster fish, select at least two fish: a male and a female. You can determine the sex of the fish by comparison - the males are larger, they have a large tail, a rounded fin. They behave more aggressively, if you put them in front of a mirror, they begin to inflate their gills, run into the reflection. Females behave more modestly and are painted in paler shades, they always have a white spot on the abdomen. The difficulty lies in the fact that some males also have a white spot, and some "chickens" behave aggressively and can strongly pat the "spouse".
Step 2
Match the pair correctly, preferably one species, such as a female and a male veiltail. Fish not younger than 3, 5 months are capable of breeding, but not too old. Before planning spawning, it is better to plant them in different bodies of water for a week and feed them with live food: bloodworms or corets, it contains many nutrients.
Step 3
To determine if a rooster fish is pregnant, simply observe it. In fact, the female forms eggs all the time, so one cannot speak of her pregnancy as a temporary period. For the aquarist, such a concept as the readiness for spawning of the cockerel is much more important. The abdomen increases slightly, the horizontal stripes become vertical and very distinct. In light-colored individuals, eggs can be seen through the abdomen. Behavior also changes: females begin to inflate their gills, flirt and swim next to the male.
Step 4
For breeding fry, prepare a separate aquarium, a small reservoir of 15 liters will do. It is necessary to pour settled water into it in advance, install an aerator, light and a heater (a temperature of 28 ° C is needed). The fish will feel more protected if bushes of Vallisneria, Pistia, and hornwort grow there. You can also place small red snails that will cleanse the aquarium of unfertilized eggs and various parasites.
Step 5
Please note that the male cockerel plays the main role in the construction of the nest. He builds a nest of foam on the surface of the water, then pushes the female to the nest, presses on her abdomen and the eggs slide out. Then he fertilizes them and puts them in the nest. After "giving birth" the male begins to push the female away from the nest - at this moment it is better to plant her in another body of water, she will no longer take care of the clutch. When the fry hatch and begin to swim, it should also be deposited.
