Ok, here's the deal, my three adult tank goldfish have mated, I removed them as soon as I realized what was happening. (They are now very happy in the backyard pond. It's like the ocean to them.) I only have 20+ babys to take care of due to my delay in realizing what was happening in my tank, but I've read that they need to be culled at about 10 days, I don't know what to look for when culling at this point. They are still so small and are no where near resembling fish yet. They all look the same. Now when and if I do cull them what should I do with the culled fish? should I just leave them out of the water, or should I send them on a journey back to freedom down the toilet drain? I really don't know what to do. All information says to cull but never tells you what to do with them. Any information would be greatly apreciated and thanks in advance.
PS: I have a 10 gallon tank. I don't know if this is pertinent or not but figured I would add the info any way just in case.
2007-06-03 07:02:30 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Culling means euthanasia... DEFINITELY not down the toilet!
http://www.petplace.com/fish/euthanasia-in-fish/page1.aspx
http://www.aq-products.com/APpro/euthanase.htm
It can also mean feeding them to predators like Oscars. They will die a fast death, but experience their last moments in extreme stress and fear. Flushing means fear and stress, but a slow and painful death they don't deserve.
2007-06-03 08:09:01 · answer #1 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With only 20 baby fish I would just wait and see how they are growing up. If some have curved spines or other defects then to cull I place the fish in a cup that is filled with ice and just enough water so they're in 32 degrees. This shocks the fish instantly and you can dispose of it how you see fit. Cutting through the heat between the eyes is quick and fatal. A lot of people have a tank with larger fish and the culls become food. When these 20 fish start to grow up you'll need new homes for them so give them to some friends. Depending on the type of goldfish 1 can get larger than a 10 gallon tank so you'll have issues soon.
2007-06-03 08:28:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Culling is a bit less important with the few that you have in your tank at this point, however you will still want to cull. Culling is almost a continuous process and not really single events. You will at this point be looking for any fish that can't swim at all or have very obvious serious physical defects. Most breeders have a "culling assistant" in the form of a larger fish that will eat the culled fry. I would encourage you to humanely euthanize the deformed fish that you cull or give them to someone with a large fish. No poor quality stock should be allowed to remain in the gene pool really, there is enough of that already. As more become apparent, simply remove them as well. Later you will be culling based on size or color or fin shape and those that are ok fish but just don't make your cut could be sold or traded to a local shop. If you need any further info or assistance as you raise your young fish feel free to drop me an email.
MM
2007-06-03 07:15:08 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Donna,
Culling is getting rid of or thin out. With so many fry you are going to have a very dirty tank. You have way to many fry for a 10 gallon.
You can give some fry away... that is what I would do. Or set up another tank. You will have to do water changes weekly 20-30% to keep water clean. And cover your intake on filter so it doesn't suck any fry up. Nylon will work.
You can also find someone ... I hate to say it... that has cichlids and give them the fry for food.... yes I know but it's better to recycle then to toss.
Do not at any point put fry in toilet. That is dangerous for the enviorment and really mean to the fry.
Good luck!
2007-06-03 07:11:16 · answer #4 · answered by MudFrog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With onnly 20 little fry in a 10 gallon tank, I see no reason to "have" to cull until they are a bit bigger. That way you can wait to see the colorings and markings and then decide which ones you want to save. The others...flushing is not freedom lol. Those that you want to get rid of, sell, donate to
the kid next door or let them go "be free" in the pond. Hey, they other fish will love you for it.
Good luck and congrats
2007-06-03 07:09:25 · answer #5 · answered by mom tree 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Regulations aimed at keeping a fishery viable require culling (releasing) certain sizes.
2016-05-20 02:25:00 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋