Some decorative fish species do not lay eggs but instead give birth to live young. Mosquito fish, guppies, Southern platyfish, Green swordtails and Mollys are among these fish that are often kept in aquariums. Often, the mother or others of the same species see the young fish as prey animals. To ensure that the valuable spawning offspring remains untouched, it is recommended to install a spawning container.

A spawning container or spawning tank is a plastic container that can be separated horizontally into two sections using a spawning grid. The mother is brought into the upper section shortly before birth. The young fish are unable to move immediately after birth. This means that the little ones sink through the grid into the lower section, where they cannot be reached by their mother. After the birth, the mother is released from the spawning container and the grid is removed. In nature, the fine leaves of aquatic plants offer young fish protection against hostile predators. In addition, you can use a spawning container as a protected insulating area for weak or injured animals or as a container to raise young fish. But: be sure to use a privacy screen to keep stress levels as low as possible. A spawning box is also suitable for targeted breeding. Another, smaller aquarium is a good alternative as a mating tank or tank for young animals.

The spawning container is fixed with suction cups into the aquarium, some models can float and adapt to the water level. Make sure that the container is spacious, that there is sufficient flow of fresh water and that it is ventilated with an oxygen pump. The plankton from the aquarium water must also be available within the spawning tank, since it serves as food for young fish in their first days of life after the yolk sack has been used up. However, the young animals should soon be fed with artemia salina or protozoa from a hay infusion. Elaborate models offer various additional functions for mechanical supplies.  Plants hanging into a spawning container provide a hiding place that young animals instinctively seek out.

Giving birth doesn’t last long. The pregnant fish only remains in the container until the birth is completed. The spawning container then serves as a shelter for the tiny young animals, where they can grow and be fed in a targeted manner. After about fourteen days, the young fish have developed to such an extent that they are no longer eaten by other fish. Discover different spawning containers in our online shop.