What is a fish spawning mop?
A fish spawning mop is a bundle of acrylic or polyester yarn tied together to mimic aquatic plants & roots. Spawning fish lay and attach their eggs on the yarn strands or live bearing fish, the fry will hide in the many nooks and crannies of the yarn nest.
Why use a fish spawning mop?
Fish spawning mops instantly adds habitat for fish, gives live bearing fish fry places to hide, egg scattering species a safe place to spawn, (and this allows you to remove and hatch eggs away from hungry adults). They are also reusable and easy to clean.
Which fish can use a fish spawning mop?
Fish spawning mops are used by many species of fish, including tetras, danios, rasboras, rainbowfish and Corydoras catfish. They are great for most all fry and are safe with most non‑barbed adult fish.
Adult Fish Species Safe for Yarn Fish Spawning Mops
- Angelfish
- Bettas
- Danios (Zebra, Pearl, Leopard)
- Discus
- Ember Tetras
- Endlers
- Glowlight Tetras
- Goldfish
- Guppies
- Koi (large or koi mops only)
- Killifish
- Mollies
- Neon Tetras
- Paradise Fish
- Platies
- Rainbowfish
- Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili, Galaxy, etc.)
- Ricefish (Medaka)
- Shrimp, including common small freshwater aquarium shrimp such as Amano shrimp, Bamboo shrimp, Bee shrimp (including Taiwan Bees like Blue Bolt and Panda), Cherry and other Neocaridina shrimp (Red, Blue, Yellow, Rili, Snowball), Crystal shrimp, Ghost shrimp, Sulawesi shrimp, and Tiger shrimp
- Swordtails
- White Cloud Mountain Minnows
- …Most soft finned fish.
Avoid Use With the Following Fish:
Any fish with locking dorsal or pectoral fin spines
Bottom-dwelling species that wedge into décor
Corydoras Catfish NO
Crayfish NO
Freshwater Puffers (Fahaka, Figure-8, Green Spotted) NO
Freshwater Stingrays NO
Large Spiny Cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror, Convicts) NO
Loaches (Clown, Yo-Yo, Skunk, Hillstream) NO
Plecos (Bristlenose, Common, Sailfin, Royal) NO
Raphael Catfish (Striped, Spotted) NO
Spiny Eels (Mastacembelus species) NO
Synodontis Catfish NO
How do I use a fish spawning mop?
Hold from the center and rinse well before placing in your aquarium. Our spawning mops come as either floating or non floating. We attach foam to the middle so the mop floats near the surface, or with out foam it sinks naturally or tie on a suction cup (included) to help position them where you want. When eggs are laid on the strands, gently move the mop and attached eggs to a separate rearing container.
Why is my non floating mop floating?
First, squeeze all the air you can out of the mop while it is underwater, then swirl lightly and just wait. It may take several days for your mop to settle and bloom.
How do I clean and reuse my mop?
Hand wash and rinse the mop in clean water to remove debris (do not use soap, hold from the center and just swirl or swish well in a bucket). If needed, disinfect by hand washing and soaking the mop in a solution of 1 part 3 % hydrogen peroxide to 3 parts water for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For more detailed cleaning instructions, see our guide on how to clean fish spawning mops.
Where are your mops made?
Our spawning mops are handcrafted in Michigan, USA, using aquarium‑safe materials.
How long will my mop last?
With gentle care and cleaning after each use, our mops can last for many years. Replace if strands become to tangled (or cut tangles out).
For more questions or to purchase fish spawning mops, contact us at sales@fishmop.com and explore our history of fish spawning mops to learn more.