Celebes rainbow Breeding Guide

Breeding Celebes Rainbowfish, while achievable, requires some specific conditions to encourage successful spawning and fry development. Although these fish are not regularly bred by hobbyists, with careful attention to their needs, breeding can be accomplished in a home aquarium setting.

Breeding Setup

To initiate breeding, establish a separate breeding tank to prevent adult fish from preying on the eggs and fry. The breeding tank should maintain the same water conditions as the main aquarium, with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5 and a temperature ranging from 22°C to 28°C. It should be adequately planted with fine-leaved plants or spawning mops, providing a substrate for eggs to attach.

Begin conditioning the fish by gradually increasing water changes and offering a diet rich in live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Select a healthy male and female or a group for breeding, as these fish often perform better in a communal setting for breeding purposes.

Spawning Behavior

Celebes Rainbows demonstrate vibrant colors and increased activity when ready to spawn. Males will display their fins and shimmer to court females. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning, with the female releasing eggs that the male fertilizes. Eggs will scatter among the plants or spawning media.

Egg and Fry Care

Following spawning, it is advisable to remove adult fish to prevent them from consuming the eggs. Alternatively, eggs can be transferred carefully to a separate rearing tank. Maintain clean water conditions, and consider adding a gentle airstone to keep water circulating, providing oxygenation for developing eggs.

Eggs generally hatch within 7-10 days. Once hatched, the fry feed on infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food. As they grow, transition them to finely crushed flake food and baby brine shrimp. Regular water changes and monitoring of water parameters are crucial during the developmental stages to ensure fry health and growth.

Special Considerations

While breeding Celebes Rainbows requires keen observation and slightly more intensive care, successful propagation can be achieved with patience and attention to environmental conditions. By following these guidelines, aquarists can enjoy successfully raising healthy Celebes Rainbow fry and contribute to their ongoing care in captivity.