Search for the name of your species online to discover whether it is egg-bearing (oviparous) or live-bearing (viviparous). [2] X Research source
Some species are more difficult to tell apart, and may require an expert from an aquarium store.
Some species such as balloon mollies have a natural bulge further forward, just below the gills. Overweight males may develop a bulge in the front chest. If you skip feedings for two or three days, an overweight bulge may shrink, while a female’s pregnancy bulge will not.
Some fish always have this spot, but it will typically grow brighter or darker during once the fish is pregnant.
Look for your species name online to find out whether it lays eggs (oviparous species), or gives live birth (viviparous). The females of some fish species are able to store sperm for months before using it to fertilize eggs, so a new tank with females only can sometimes still reproduce.
Many egg-laying species also have mating rituals, including most gouramis. These are often energetic displays that can last up to a few hours, ending with the eggs being deposited.
For more detail on a specific species, follow these guides for breeding and raising discus fish, gouramis, bettas, and guppies. Ask for advice from the employees at an aquarium store, or on aquarium hobbyist forums online. This is usually more helpful than advice from a general purpose pet store.
If the parents laid eggs in a nest and defended them from other fish, use the net to divide the parents and the eggs on one side, and the other fish on the others. If the mother had a live birth, or sprayed the eggs in the water, keep all adult fish on one side of the net. The young fish should swim through the net to hide from them.
If you can’t get to an aquarium store, feed the young fry hard boiled egg yolk pushed through a cheesecloth. [11] X Research source
