Mmathis
TurtleMommy
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 13,893
- Reaction score
- 8,087
- Location
- NW Louisiana -- zone 8b
- Hardiness Zone
- 8b
- Country
WHEN GOLDFISH SPAWN.....
I'm beginning my 3rd season with the pond. Had some babies last year, but never witnessed spawning or spawning behavior, and never saw eggs -- just found the fry, after-the-fact.
So, have a few things I thought I'd bring up -- things I've read, but not sure if I'm remembering correctly, or not sure if they're even factual. Chime in with your personal experiences, personal knowledge.....
NOW, for a couple of questions:
I'm beginning my 3rd season with the pond. Had some babies last year, but never witnessed spawning or spawning behavior, and never saw eggs -- just found the fry, after-the-fact.
So, have a few things I thought I'd bring up -- things I've read, but not sure if I'm remembering correctly, or not sure if they're even factual. Chime in with your personal experiences, personal knowledge.....
- spawning is triggered by an increase in water temperature
- goldfish only spawn once a year
- goldfish have to be sexually mature [duh!]
- they spawn in shallow areas
- they will spawn in planted areas
- goldfish will eat the eggs, fry
NOW, for a couple of questions:
- This has been an unusual winter for us -- very warm. Our air temps and weather are fluctuating a lot here in Louisiana. Water temps have been consistently in the 40's, but yesterday the water was 60º. What happens if the water temps DO fluctuate and bounce around a lot instead of gradually increasing before they reach a more stable high-end? For example, I haven't checked the water today, but we had a VERY COLD front with freezing rain come through last night, so I doubt that the water is still at 60º.
- Do they really only spawn once a year? AND, if they do only spawn once a year, if they spawn during a false-high, [and the water drops back down in the 50's] does that mean they won't spawn again for the season?
- What are the in-general water temperature parameters for spawning?
- Is information the same for goldfish and koi?
- When goldfish spawn, is it as dangerous for the female goldie as I've heard it can be for koi?
- And LAST BUT NOT LEAST: what is the safest way to handle eggs and or fry so as not to damage them? Like removing them from the pond, setting them up in a tank? Or is keeping them in a fry cage best?