It's spring, and love is in the air

[Philly Bill]

The activity level in my pond was in overdrive today.

Bumpkin, my midnight blue shubbie, chased Sparky, a white watonai, all around the pond this morning, poking and prodding her. She swam sideways into the bog plant baskets along the margins of the pond, and he followed her there as well, resting beside her on the rocks! What an attentive suitor.

When I returned to the pond this afternoon, things were back to normal. I fear the eggs became a tasty meal, but I am even more fearful that some survived - can shubunkins and watonai make babies? At least I know the genders of all the fish in my back pond now.

Check out the X rated pictures on my blog.

[Sonny]

Yep, they can make babies.  You may not want 'em though.

Spring and spawning can be so hard on the fish.  I don't know what's worse, spawning or impacted eggs.

[Philly Bill]

Yep, they can make babies.  You may not want 'em though.

Spring and spawning can be so hard on the fish.  I don't know what's worse, spawning or impacted eggs.

Yea, Steve tells me fewer than one in ten will have acceptable qualities.

Impacted eggs? You mean they don't expel them without a male's "aid?"

[Mikey]

Great looking fish.  No wonder he's chasing her around

[Bonnie]

Watonai and Shubunkin are both in the goldfish family so definately .. I think the mix would be a very pretty fish.. Mutt yes but pretty!


I agree with Sonny.. spawning can be very stressful and harmful. DARN Males just won't leave the females alone!

[Sonny]

Impacted eggs? You mean they don't expel them without a male's "aid?"

I have seen a female throw eggs without a male present but they just sort come out in dribs and drabs.  I believe it takes the encouragement of males to get a good cleaning out.  Eggs that are not expelled are usually re-absorbed.  They can become egg-bound though.  These unreleased eggs may become infected and cause problems.