Whats this clear gunk in my minnows tank?

Question
Hi Trish,

I have a 15 litre (4 gallon) tank with 5 white cloud mountain minnows in it, I haven't added any plants or anything for months but have recently noticed a few strips of thick clear goo on the walls of the tank and plants. To give an idea of their size, each deposit is between 1 and 2 cm long and is shaped as if it has been squeezed out of a toothpaste tube. The goo is completely clear and colourless with what looks like little pearls or bubble in it. I took one bit out and squeezed it between my fingers and it was very gelatinous.

The stuff is stuck fast to the walls and plants but is not everywhere,  just a few 'blobs', each looking almost like a short bead of silicon but with a dozen or so tiny pearlescent balls inside.

I am totally confused as I am assuming this is some sort of spawn but know that minnows give birth to live young. The only other thing in the tank is a small 'mystery' snail, about 1cm across, that interloped in somehow and he has been there on his own for months too.

Any ideas what this gunk could be and how it got there?

Many thanks,

Ross

Answer
Hi Ross!  Well, unfortunately, you are mistaken.  Minnows are not livebearers.  They do spawn, and it probably IS eggs.  Minnows to not usually eat the eggs either (maybe one or two, but not a lot).  Here is a site that may help answer some questions:  http://www.fishpondinfo.com/wcmm.htm

Good luck!  Please let me know how you make out and if you wind up with "grandfish"!!!   ;o)