Is display tank interbreeding likely?

[graye]

To be serious about breeding, separating species is key - otherwise, it's a long shot. Community tanks just aren't conducive to successful breeding, and even when it does happen, fry rarely survive. That being said, closely related species can and do crossbreed, especially if they wouldn't normally meet in the wild. As for different varieties within a species, they can definitely interbreed. But when it comes to community tanks, breeding is usually a lost cause - and whether or not loaches will crossbreed is really on a case-by-case basis.

[bettaMagenta]

Ran across this listing today... isn't he a stunner...

[coltin]

Morning musings over coffee... I'm curious about mixed breeding in display tanks, specifically in my Asian setup. I've got a bunch of Hillstream loaches, multiple species and varieties within species. I'm thinking of adding a small group of Gold Ring Hillstreams to the mix, alongside the other Sewellia varieties I already have. Not looking to breed them, just want to see all these different varieties in one place, observe the differences and similarities.

In trying to create the perfect environment and diet for them, I'm bound to see some courtship behavior – it happens in my other tanks. Just wondering, how often do different varieties find each other acceptable mates when there are others of their own kind in the tank?

BTW, I usually buy these in groups of 3 or more, since they're smaller fish.

Sewellia's in my tank:
- Gold Ring (on the way) - Sewellia albisuera
- Reticulated Sewellia lineolata

In the aquatic world, it's more like a free-for-all when it comes to breeding. Most fish aren't picky about their partners and won't hesitate to breed with whoever is available. Some species, like certain cichlids, might form long-term pairs, but that's not the norm. Usually, it's a case of breed with whoever is around at the time.

Some fish may have preferences for their mates, but generally, it's not like they're looking for a lifelong partner. Even breeders often just throw a male and female together in a breeding tank and let nature take its course.

If you're serious about breeding, it's best to get a decent-sized group of fish, say 8-10 or more, to increase the chances of getting both males and females. Buying just a few fish can be a gamble - you might end up with all males or all females. And if you do get a mix of sexes, but then lose one of the females, you're left with a bunch of males that aren't much use for breeding purposes.

[bettaMagenta]

I'm not looking to breed anything at the moment, but who knows, maybe someday when life isn't so hectic.