What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a breeding trap with my livebearers?
Advantages: The female fish has a safe place to drop fry without being harassed by the other fish in the tank. The fry have a chance to survive in a community tank environment. It keeps all of the fry in an easily visible area to the fishkeeper. Depending on the breeding trap/net, it provides a sheltered, and safe place for the fry from even their mothers. Disadvantages: Putting the female fish into the trap puts an added stress on the fish, resulting in a higher percentage of stillborn fry, or even the death of the fish. Not all the time are fry able to fit through the slots at the bottom of the breeding trap. Sometimes fry are too small, and will fit through the slots intended for water flow going through the trap. Fry may also get their heads lodged in between the slots, or even in the holes of the breeder nets. The breeding traps don’t always get the best water circulation, and uneaten food and detritus collects on the bottom and even in the slots. The fry have no hiding places and
