Breeding... or most like NOT breeding

Question
I have three goldfish in a ten gallon tank. I'm pretty sure I have one male and two females. I didn't plan on it being that way, it's just how it turned out when we picked them up from the pet store. Anyway, the male fish has gotten those little white pimples on it and started to chase around one of the female fishes. From what I have read, this means he is ready to mate. Now, how can I stop this, or better, is there a way to prevent the female from laying eggs. I live in a college dorm and I do NOT have the time to deal with goldfish babies. Please help. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Caitlyn;

You really can't stop their natural urge to breed. I wouldn't worry about it if they do spawn. The tank is so small that the eggs will probably be eaten before they ever hatch. If any do happen to hatch, the parents will eat them before you ever even see them. That's part of nature too. She does need a proper spawning area and it's hard to accomplish in a small tank. She needs a group of plants in one end of the tank to swim into for a "spawning run". The male follows to fertilize. The plants must be closely bunched so it will help 'squeeze the eggs out'.

There are problems in trying to avoid letting nature take it's course too. She could become "eggbound" and die. If her eggs are not laid or she can't re-absorb them into her body because of stress, they will cause internal infection. Or, if she doesn't have an adequate place to lay the eggs she could be harrassed to the point of death. He will chase her and chase her until she just stresses out and dies. You might consider a tank divider. They are available at many fish stores. There may be a point in time that they could be together again, but some males are very persistent. He may be fully ready to spawn all day every day, but the females aren't always full of eggs or even mature enough to breed when the males are. The tank divider will keep the females safe and help prevent more stress.

Or, find a new home for one or two of them. The tank is really too small for more than one goldfish anyway. Each goldfish needs at least 8 to 10 gallons because they are so messy and get so big (6 to 8 inches).  

Good luck and I hope all goes well....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins