quick and easy fresh water fish to breed?

**sjhunter** · 10-07-2009, 10:53 PM

As part of a science experiment, my son would like to breed fresh water fish. What type of fish would be easiest and relatively quick to breed? Once the experiment is completed, he will be sharing his new fish with a number of classmates so no fish will be harmed as a result of the experiment.

**Deleted User** · 10-07-2009, 10:55 PM

Platies are easy, but you have to separate the babies (fry) from the adults or they will be a snack.

**William** · 10-07-2009, 10:59 PM

I would say that convict cichlids are the easiest alterntive. Hard to keep them from breeding and they usually start within days.

Platy, guppy etc are easy as well but can take a little longer in my opinion.

It also depends on if he wants an egg laying or a fish that give birth to live young

**Northernguy** · 10-07-2009, 11:09 PM

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!
I agree with posts! lol
Some guppies you buy are so pregnant they drop in the bag! lol
Convicts never know when to stop! lol

**Jacko** · 10-07-2009, 11:15 PM

What size tank do you have on hand for this? What is the main idea behind the science experiment? Like, how long it takes fry to grow on this food compared to another one, or depending on heat, or lighting... just a few variables.

I'd go with either guppies, endlers or platies. Swordtails and Mollies get a bit large... Convicts would be good but the babies are pretty much impossible to find a new home for.
Annual killifish would be good too, a male/female pair can live in a relatively small tank (depending on species), they're colorful, breed easily in most cases and the eggs aren't difficult to hatch or raise...

Also, how old is he and his classmates? Depending on what age group they are, younger kids would probably appreciate the colorful and fancy guppies, older ones probably convicts for their size and aggression...

**sjhunter** · 10-07-2009, 11:17 PM

Thank you for the awesome suggestions! We really appreciate the quick replies.

**mikewaz13** · 10-07-2009, 11:36 PM

there are types of fish called live bearers which i would say are easiest to have.
examples are mollys,platys and guppies

**AABatteries** · 10-08-2009, 02:01 AM

I think its a bad idea to give them to other classmates. Who says that they have the proper set up, and are willing to care for them?

**Jacko** · 10-08-2009, 02:57 AM

I didn't see that part in the original post but PPE has an excellent point, it would be better to find them a home at the LFS or in your own tank than to give them out to kids who might or might not know how to take care of them...