How can I breed comet goldfish (feeders) and what would be required to do so?

Question

I have a couple of Oscars and a few of my friends have some carnivorous fish as well and we are tired of spending a ton of money each week buying feeders. Is there any way I could breed comets from my home in order to save a little money. Any information is appreciated.

Answer 1

you need a male & female gold fish at least 2 years of age, here is a site to help you to sex the goldfish, http://www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk/goldfish/info/sexing-fs.htm

The water must be kept at 72 degrees, the parents must be seperated from the eggs immediately, they will eat them before they are even fertilzed...
tank size must be at least 50 gallons preferably75 gallons, or a pond environment, a kiddie pool might work,or a large rubbermaid container could also do in a pinch, and the adults need at least a 50 -75 gallon tank or suitable container to be moved to once the pair has spawned.
goldfish need very good filtration, and regular maintenence.

The set up is fairly time consuming, and does require a significant intital investment. It might be cheaper to go with live breeders such as mollies, guppies, swordtails or platies, they are much more prolific than goldfish and the initial investment would be much smaller.

Answer 2

You can do it, just as a previous answer says, but to be totally honest, it's not really worth the time and you would have a very, very hard time raising enough of them.

If I can suggest: Go to a bait and tackle store and buy minnows. Much cheaper also, you can probably work a deal at the local grocery store to buy out of day fresh fish filets for a very cheap price. Explain to the department manager why you want it and they will probably give you a great deal. Feed those and freeze extras until you need them.

MM

Answer 3

goldfish don't make good feeder fish, they're fatty and not so nutritious, a bit like you living on mcdonalds burgers! i guess if you're intent on feeder fish you could try guppies, but i'm not sure on their nutritional value either.

and once carnivourous fish eat live fish you'll have a really tough time trying to get them to eat anything else!

for oscars stick to leaner meats such as beefheart (messy though!), crickets, earthworms, shrimp, krill, cichlid pellets. and have some peas on hand to feed as fishy laxative!

Answer 4

Comets are generally bred in large ponds.
http://www.billyblandfisherys.com/?x=pictures