Reasons for Goldfish Not Breeding: Possible Causes

To successfully breed goldfish, certain conditions must be met. These include the fish having the ability to reproduce, the presence of both male and female fish in the pond, and suitable water temperatures. These are essential prerequisites for successful breeding, and failing to meet any of these requirements can hinder the goldfish's ability to reproduce. Below, we delve deeper into the reasons why goldfish may not breed.

Ⅰ. Reasons for the Lack of Goldfish Breeding

1. Inability to Breed: Goldfish typically start to breed around the age of one, though some may mature earlier, and others may take up to two years. If the goldfish have not reached sexual maturity, they will not be able to breed.

2. Absence of OppositeSex Fish: Goldfish breeding requires a pairing of male and female fish. If the pond only contains one sex, breeding will not occur. If the goldfish have reached breeding age but have not bred, the owner should check the gender of the fish in the pond. If there is a lack of opposite sex fish, it is necessary to introduce some, and the owner should ensure the fish receive adequate nutrition, including live food. Additionally, the environment should be adjusted to create optimal breeding conditions, particularly the water quality, to foster a conducive breeding environment.

3. Unstable Environment: A stable environment is crucial for goldfish breeding. If the living conditions are poor or unstable, even during the breeding season, the fish may not breed if the water temperature or quality is unsuitable. To avoid this, the owner should maintain a stable living environment for the goldfish, keeping the water temperature between 1824°C, changing the water weekly, and ensuring good water quality and adequate oxygenation.

Ⅱ. Key Points for Breeding Domestic Goldfish

1. Breeding Environment: Breeding goldfish is not complicated, but some preparations and protective measures are necessary before and during the breeding process. Before breeding, an incubation pool should be prepared to house fertilized eggs, as they should not be kept with the parents to prevent them from eating the eggs. The breeding tank should also be equipped with aquatic plants or a spawning mop, adjusted to the right water temperature, and provide shelter for the eggs. Adequate nutrition, including live food, should be provided before breeding. During the breeding period, water should be changed at least once a week to maintain good water quality, and the water temperature should be kept between 1820°C to prevent sudden fluctuations. Oxygenation should also be ensured to maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen levels in the tank.

2. MaleFemale Pairing: To achieve a higher pairing success rate, it is best to mix male and female parents in a ratio of 2:3 during the breeding period, and ensure timely grouping to facilitate spawning and increase fertilization rates. During breeding, maintain a quiet and comfortable environment to avoid startling the fish and do not disturb them unnecessarily. After fertilization, the eggs should be promptly transferred to the incubation pool, or the parents can be removed, leaving the eggs in the original tank. Fertilized eggs typically hatch within 37 days.

This overview of the reasons for the lack of goldfish breeding aims to deepen the understanding of goldfish breeding among owners and help create ideal breeding conditions for these delightful fish.