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Breeding

Breed your own fish

Step-by-step guides for 695 species, a day-by-day plan from spawning to grown fry, and a simulator to practise first.

Start with guppiesMy breeding tracker

How fish breed

Tap a type to see the species

Egg scatterersScatter eggs over plants or mops and then eat them. Remove the parents after spawning.205 speciesLivebearersGive birth to free-swimming young. The easiest place to start.30 speciesBubble-nest buildersThe male builds a nest of bubbles and guards the eggs.32 speciesOpen substrate spawnersPairs lay eggs on a flat stone or leaf and guard them.71 speciesCave spawnersLay eggs inside a cave, often guarded by one parent.109 speciesMouthbroodersOne parent carries the eggs and young in its mouth.75 speciesKillifish (egg buriers)Eggs are laid in peat or soil and may need a dry rest before they hatch.5 speciesShrimpFemales carry eggs under the tail until tiny shrimp hatch.27 speciesNeed salty water for larvaeLarvae drift to the sea, so babies need brackish or salt water.21 speciesSnailsLay egg clutches on glass, plants or decor.24 speciesFrogs, newts and turtlesNeed special setups, often with land and water.65 speciesOther egg layersLay eggs in many different ways.31 speciesRarely bred at homeSeldom or never bred in home tanks.109 species

Species by breeding type