Freshwater

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Part IV: Breeding and Other Fun Stuff
Keep a logbook so that you have a permanent record of your spawners’ ages,
successes, diseases, and brood sizes.
It’s a great idea to exchange information, such as by calling other hobbyists
on the phone and bragging, or writing an article and bragging. Only by sharing
information can breeding methods be refined and perfected. Never adopt
complete secrecy: You may hold the key to solving a very difficult puzzle for
someone else! Also, by exchanging information or asking for advice, you can
avoid breeding hazards and unwanted mutations (no one wants to produce
piranhas the size of the Titanic).
Deciding to Breed Your Aquarium Fish
Aquarists, like everyone else, have goals for their hobby. One of your first
goals as a fishkeeper is to maintain a healthy and successful aquarium. After
you accomplish that, then what?
You may decide to try another type of system (such as brackish or marine)
or investigate unfamiliar breeds. But when all is said and done as far as maintaining
an aquarium is concerned, what does the future hold? (If you’re like
us, one answer is: a lot of bills at the local fish shop.)
Breaking new barriers
Breeding aquarium fish successfully is kind of like getting into a sport’s Hall
of Fame: There is no greater reward. So many species can be bred easily that
you should have no problem getting into this fascinating and enjoyable
aspect of the aquarium hobby. There are also many fish out there that have
never been bred, which leaves the door wide open for you to become a pioneer.
Just imagine what it would be like if you were the first person on earth
to successfully breed a species. It can happen.
Gaining new knowledge and enjoyment
The satisfaction of accomplishing something new (and perhaps snagging a
little fame and money while you’re at it) is a good reason to start breeding
fish. You can gain an overwhelming amount of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure
by partaking in this scientific aspect of the hobby. When you successfully
breed a particular species, you also find out much more about that
species than the average hobbyist learns in a lifetime.