Easiest Marine Fish To Breed

[eschaton]

When my new 55-gallon tank is up and running, I'd like to have at least one mated pair of fish to try my hand at saltwater breeding. Clownfish don't interest me at all, but I am interested in trying to breed pseudochromis, gramma, or one of the many goby species. I'd like to plan this out now so I know what sort of mated pairs to look for.

 

[andywg]

mixing pseudochromis or grammas in smaller tanks (like yours) is a very large risk.

The problem with breeding marine fish is that many have a planktonic larval stage and require tiny foods.

Possibly the best fish to try would be bangai cardinalfish. They are not too hard to breed as they are mouthbrooders.

 

[STD]

Yup the Bangai will be your best bet

 

[eschaton]

mixing pseudochromis or grammas in smaller tanks (like yours) is a very large risk.

Do you mean mixing both types, or putting a pair in? I was leaning towards a pair of Orchid Dottybacks, as they're supposed to be peaceful.

The problem with breeding marine fish is that many have a planktonic larval stage and require tiny foods.

Yeah, it's my understanding they are quite small and need rotifers. Could I raise fry in the refugia, or is a separate tank needed?

Possibly the best fish to try would be bangai cardinalfish. They are not too hard to breed as they are mouthbrooders.

I've read they can be nasty to each other as well as small fish and shrimps, but I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Lynden]

Rotifers are actually too large for planktonic larvae, but they can be used for larger benthic larvae.

All cardinals are highly predatory but not aggressive.

 

[Musho3210]

i heard that cardinals are born larger than usual and can eat BBS, this came from a guy who has breed them before i think (Rod from Rods Reef in the Chicago Area, anyone in CMAS knows him lol)

 

[andywg]

mixing pseudochromis or grammas in smaller tanks (like yours) is a very large risk.

Do you mean mixing both types, or putting a pair in? I was leaning towards a pair of Orchid Dottybacks, as they're supposed to be peaceful.

I mean putting more than one in a tank of either the same or different species.

Orchid dottybacks are more peaceful but you still need a large tank and more than just two fish to spread the aggression to have a realistic chance of success. The fish is not particularly aggressive to other species, but will not like a single conspecific for certain.