Master Breeder List
Explore the OSAquatics Master Breeder List — a verified directory of advanced breeding methods, focused on genetics, welfare, and ethical captive‑bred lines. Updated regularly.
Breeding snapshot
- Group‑spawning, substrate‑selective egg‑scatterer.
- Condition 3–4 weeks on high‑protein live/frozen foods.
- Trigger: cool, soft water change + increased flow.
- Eggs hatch in 36–48 hours; fry free‑swimming day 4–5.
Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Captive breeding is essential to preserve remaining genetic diversity.
Breeding snapshot
- Open/substrate egg‑scatterer; no parental care.
- Spawns in groups; adults must be removed post‑spawn.
- Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry free‑swimming by day 3–4.
- First foods: infusoria → Artemia nauplii.
Breeding snapshot
- Cave‑spawning bubble‑nest variant; male guards eggs.
- Requires pH 3.5–5.0, conductivity < 40 µS/cm.
- Eggs hatch in 36–48 hours; fry free‑swimming day 5–6.
- Fry extremely small: paramecium essential.
Breeding snapshot
- Peat swamp specialist; extremely soft, acidic water.
- Cave‑spawner; male guards eggs and early fry.
- Fry require microscopic foods and ultra‑clean water.
Breeding snapshot
- Paternal mouthbrooder; male incubates 18–24 days.
- Soft, clean water with gentle flow required.
- Released fry are large and take Artemia immediately.
Breeding snapshot
- Small paternal mouthbrooder; tiny clutches.
- Requires pH < 4.5, extremely soft water.
- Fry very small: paramecium essential.
Breeding snapshot
- Bubble‑nesting or cave‑associated nests.
- Blackwater specialist: pH 3.5–5.0.
- Fry extremely small; paramecium → Artemia.
Breeding snapshot
- Paternal mouthbrooder; soft, acidic water.
- Fry robust; Artemia from release.
Betta mandor — Breeding & Rearing
Full breeding & rearing profile → →Breeding snapshot
- Cave‑spawner; male guards eggs.
- Requires extremely soft, acidic water.
- Fry microscopic; paramecium essential.
Breeding snapshot
- Peat swamp specialist; pH < 5.
- Cave‑spawner; male parental care.
- Fry extremely sensitive to water quality.
Breeding snapshot
- Females carry egg clusters before attaching them to plants.
- Eggs hatch in 10–14 days.
- Fry large; Artemia from day 1.
Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Many are common in the trade but declining in nature.
Species that are not yet endangered but are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, or over‑collection.
Breeding snapshot
- Egg‑scatterer; prefers underside of broad leaves.
- Requires soft acidic water (pH 5.0–6.0).
- Eggs hatch in 24–36 hours; fry free‑swimming day 3.
- First foods: infusoria → microfoods → Artemia.
Goodeids are among the most threatened freshwater fishes in the world. Many species survive only in captivity due to habitat loss, pollution, and severe range fragmentation. These lines are maintained as part of long‑term conservation breeding projects.
Breeding snapshot
- Highly threatened; restricted to a single drainage.
- Best kept in cool, hard, alkaline water.
- Gestation ~55–65 days; small broods but robust fry.
- Requires stable colony structure for long‑term success.
Breeding snapshot
- Iconic goodeid; extinct in much of its native range.
- Very hardy; thrives in hard, mineral‑rich water.
- Broods of 10–25; fry are large and easy to rear.
- Excellent candidate for conservation breeding.
Breeding snapshot
- Once extinct in the wild; now reintroduced thanks to captive breeding.
- Prefers cool, well‑oxygenated water.
- Broods of 5–15; fry are large and fast‑growing.
- Stable colonies essential for long‑term success.
Breeding snapshot
- Highly localised species with multiple colour forms.
- Cool, hard water essential; sensitive to poor oxygenation.
- Broods of 5–12; fry are large and hardy.
- One of the most important goodeids for conservation.
Breeding snapshot
- Extinct in the wild; survives only in captive populations.
- Cool, alkaline water with strong oxygenation.
- Broods of 5–10; fry are delicate for first 2 weeks.
- Critical species for long‑term conservation programmes.
Tim’s Top Ten Tips for Fishkeeping Success
Friendly, hard‑earned advice from the fish room — for happier fish and better breeding.
Record everything
Don’t just record the wins — failures teach you just as much. Every odd behaviour or failed spawn becomes gold dust later.
Nutrition matters
Good food = good fish. Colour, health, behaviour, breeding — it all starts with proper nutrition.
Happy fish breed
If the fish feel safe and comfortable, breeding often follows naturally. Layout and geography matter more than people think.
Observe, observe, observe
Don’t just check tanks at the same time every day. Watch at dawn, dusk, and lights‑out — you’ll see a whole new world.
Replace UV bulbs
They still glow, but the useful output drops fast. Replace every 3 months for real effectiveness.
Flow vs filtration
Filter return ≠ water flow. Biofilters like moderate flow; some fish need rapids. Keep spare powerheads handy.
Respect day–night cycles
Fish follow solar and lunar rhythms. Aim for a 12‑hour light / 12‑hour dark cycle so they can rest properly.
Night‑time safety
Even open‑water species want somewhere safe to sleep. Add caves, shadows, and tucked‑away corners.
Keep a studbook
A logbook or studbook is your memory backup. Breeding projects take months or years — written notes become priceless.
Think like a conservationist
Freshwater species need our help more than ever. Every tank can be part of the solution.