Ornate tetra Breeding Guide

Breeding Process

Breeding ornate tetras in a home aquarium is possible, though it requires careful attention to environmental conditions. These fish spawn in groups and are egg-scatterers, meaning they release their eggs randomly. To trigger breeding, it’s essential to simulate their natural environment. Start by setting up a separate breeding tank with slightly acidic to neutral water, maintaining the pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The temperature should be slightly increased to around 26-27°C, which mimics their warm natural habitat. Introduce a group of ornate tetras to the breeding tank, ensuring there is a mix of males and females. To enhance spawning chances, condition the tetras with a diet rich in live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms for a week or two before placing them in the breeding tank. The presence of fine-leaved plants or spawning mops can help as they provide substrate for the eggs.

Care of the Fry

Once breeding occurs and eggs have been scattered, remove the adult fish from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch in about 24 to 36 hours. The fry will initially feed on their yolk sacs but will become free-swimming after 3 to 5 days. At this stage, feeding is crucial. Start feeding the fry with infusoria or commercially available liquid fry food. As they grow, gradually introduce micro worms or freshly hatched brine shrimp. Ensure that water quality is meticulously maintained by performing regular, gentle water changes to prevent any buildup of harmful chemicals.

Additional Tips

Keeping the breeding tank dimly lit helps simulate the natural conditions suitable for spawning and hatching. Regularly monitor water parameters, as fry are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. Also, maintaining a peaceful environment with minimal disturbances encourages successful breeding and healthy development of fry.