How I Bred Gold Laser Corydoras at Home

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience breeding Gold Laser Corydoras, detailing the process from selecting healthy young adults to successfully encouraging spawning. Key insights include the importance of patience and time for sexual maturity, along with feeding techniques and water changes that stimulate breeding. The creator also discusses their unique approach to hatching eggs without antifungals, ensuring the survival of the fry. Despite the fish's high market price, the conclusion is that breeding Gold Lasers is straightforward, with the key being careful attention to their needs and environmental conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breeding Corydoras starts with easy-to-breed species before gradually progressing to rarer, more difficult ones.
• 😀 Time is crucial for Corydoras to reach sexual maturity before breeding; they may need up to 8–9 months.
• 😀 Female Corydoras are noticeably larger and broader than males, and they can carry several eggs at once.
• 😀 The Gold Laser Corydoras are particularly skittish and camera-shy compared to other species.
• 😀 A varied diet, including protein-rich foods like Frozen bloodworms, freeze-dried tube worms, and brine shrimp, helps encourage breeding.
• 😀 Regular water changes, especially before planned spawning, mimic natural conditions and can trigger breeding behavior.
• 😀 Water temperature and slightly cooler water during water changes may help induce spawning in Corydoras.
• 😀 Gold Laser Corydoras prefer to spawn in the direction of water flow, often depositing eggs on plants or spawning mops.
• 😀 No antifungal additives are needed for Corydoras eggs if the water is clean and well-circulated, with only minor fungal growth on infertile eggs.
• 😀 Corydoras fry are initially fed on fry powder and then switched to baby brine shrimp once they develop sufficiently.
• 😀 Gold Laser Corydoras have a relatively high hatch rate, with minimal egg loss and good fry survival when cared for properly.

Q & A

Why is it important to start breeding with more common species like Corydoras?

Starting with common species helps build experience and confidence in breeding, as they tend to be less difficult and more forgiving. This allows you to gradually progress to rarer and potentially more challenging species.

What factors should be considered when setting up a tank for breeding Gold Laser Corydoras?

The tank should include plants, shelters, and a spawning mop placed in the direction of water flow. Water conditions like temperature (around 77°F), pH, and moderate hardness should be monitored, with regular water changes to mimic rainfall.

How do Gold Laser Corydoras' feeding needs differ during the breeding process?

During breeding preparation, it's important to feed Gold Laser Corydoras protein-rich foods such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and freeze-dried tubifex worms. This boosts egg production and overall health.

How does water flow influence the spawning behavior of Gold Laser Corydoras?

Gold Laser Corydoras prefer to lay their eggs in the direction of water flow, which is why placing the spawning mop in the flow path encourages them to deposit eggs there.

What are the signs that Gold Laser Corydoras are ready to spawn?

Signs include active chasing and swirling behavior from males, and females becoming noticeably larger and broader, especially on their underside where they can hold eggs.

How should you handle Corydoras eggs after they are laid?

Once the eggs are laid, they should be carefully removed to prevent predation and fungal contamination. It's ideal to transfer them to a breeding box with circulating clean water to maintain optimal conditions.

What is the benefit of not using antifungal additives when hatching Corydoras eggs?

Avoiding antifungal additives can result in a more natural and effective hatching process. In this case, circulating clean water through the breeding box without direct airflow helps prevent fungal spread while maintaining egg health.

How can you identify which Corydoras eggs are likely to hatch successfully?

Fertile eggs are typically clear, while infertile ones may develop fungal growth. If the fungus doesn't spread rapidly, it’s often an indication that most eggs will hatch successfully.

When should you begin feeding Corydoras fry after they hatch?

After 36 hours, when the fry have absorbed their egg sacs and their heads have widened, you can begin feeding them very small food like fry powder. This ensures they get the nutrition needed for growth.

Why is it important to feed baby brine shrimp to Corydoras fry?

Baby brine shrimp are rich in protein, which supports the fry's rapid growth and development. They help fry transition from their initial diet of powdered food to more complex food sources.

What could cause a fry to fail to thrive after hatching?

If a fry isn't able to feed properly, it may not survive. Signs of poor feeding include fry that don’t show orange patches inside them after eating. These fry might need extra care, like smaller food or more frequent feeding.

Why are Gold Laser Corydoras expensive despite being relatively easy to breed?

Their high price is likely due to limited availability and low demand. While they are not difficult to breed, their rarity in the market, combined with controlled supply, drives up their cost.