Egg-Layer Tropical Fish

A good many of the common species of tropical fish are egg-layers, fish that fertilize eggs outside the body, as opposed to the matings of live-bearers. They also have highly individual ways of laying, hatching and raising the young, which can be quite challenging according to your tank set-up and the other inhabitants.

Mouthbrooders are fish that either incubate the eggs, or harbor the young in their mouths. According to the species, this may involve laying the eggs in a shallow dug into the tank substrate, having them fertilized by the male, and then picking them up as eggs, and keeping them in the mouth until they hatch. Other species wait until the eggs have hatched, before gathering up the fry and holding them in their cheeks. Some of the labyrinth and the cichlids are mouthbrooders, which can be very interesting to raise.

The egg-scatterers are somewhat scatter-brained as parents. The female will literally drop her eggs, sometimes with adhesive on them, anywhere at all, and not in clutches or pits. In fact, some species are entertaining to watch as the reproduction cycle comes to its peak, because the male will chase the female around plants, wood, and other obstructions, with eggs flying everywhere. Tetras, danios and barbs are notorious for this kind of egg-laying.

Egg-depositors are broken into two groups: those that care for their young, and those that don't. Most catfish species fall in the latter category. Interestingly enough, scatterers produce small eggs in quantity, while depositors lay small numbers of larger eggs. Those who care for their young will either deposit the eggs in a hidden location like a submerged pot, or they will lay them on an exposed surface like broad plant leaves, or a piece of slate that has been put in the tank for that purpose. Many depositors share caring for their fry. Cichlids are typical depositors, and intriguing to watch as they go about raising the young.

Some egg-layers are nest builders, and those nests are generally made of bubbles that form a "raft" comprised of bubbles that have been glued to each other and the tank glass, with saliva. The most popular of these is the Siamese fighting fish, and their ritual of the male wrapping himself around the female as she spawns, can be fascinating to watch. They will then place the eggs inside the bubbles for incubation.

Your Comprehensive Resource on Creating the Best Tropical Fish Tank Possible

The Encyclopedia of Exotic Tropical Fishes for Freshwater Aquariums is an inspiring resource. The book is separated into two sections, with the first part encompassing six chapters of both general and specific fishkeeping information and the second part offering detailed profiles of 1000 freshwater species. All fish enthusiasts will appreciate the down-to-earth writing style and superb images by some of the world’s top photographers. This practical reference also features anatomical drawings, multiple tip boxes, and over 2800 full-color photographs.

Click here to find out more and get your copy.

Save On Your Fish Supplies

Get special savings on premium fish food, filters, aquariums, medications and more at Petco. Click here for savings. Find everything from aquariums & bowls to filters to heaters.