What do fish eggs look like in a fish tank?
Fish eggs come in a wide array of colors including black, orange, yellow, and more. These eggs are small, marble-shaped eggs that are often housed near aquarium plants.
A lot of fish tank owners begin noticing these small balls near the base of their fish tank and assume it’s an unwanted substance or material. However, it’s important to note these are just simple fish eggs.
The signs can include:
- Location of the Egg
- Breeding Behavior of the Fish
- Time of the Year
There are certain signs you can look for as a fish tank owner to make sure these are fish eggs.
It’s best to go through all of these signs as soon as possible before taking action. Otherwise, you may end up harming the fish eggs and/or ruining the environment for them to come to fruition.
This article is going to provide a deeper look into the question, “What do fish eggs look like in a fish tank?” along with how you can care for them moving forward.
Table of Contents
Best Breeding Box for Fish (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Last update on 2023-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips for Caring for Fish Eggs
Tip #1: Install a Breeding Box
This is a wonderful investment to make and is one that is going to provide 100% protection for the fish eggs.
When you are looking to hatch fish eggs, you should set up a safe zone for the eggs to rest. This is the only way the breeding fish are going to feel protected and your fish tank is going to become a comfortable place for the fish eggs.
A breeding box is great for several reasons and offers a long list of advantages to those who want to hatch fish eggs safely in a fish tank.
The benefits include:
- Protection for the Fish Eggs
- Ideal Breeding Option for All Types of Fish
- Easy to Install
If you are worried about the fish eggs not resting safely, this is a good place to put them.
You can quickly set up the breeding box for your fish and it’s going to start working right away. This layer of protection is a must for those who are serious about what they are getting.
Focus on this when it comes to finding the right solution for your fish tank.
When you do buy a breeding box for your fish, it’s recommended to find one that is properly sized. There has to be enough space for the fish eggs to thrive and remain safe.

Tip #2: Provide Hidden Spaces
For those asking, “What do fish eggs look like in a fish tank?” it’s recommended to maintain a hidden space at the bottom of your fish tank.
This is a natural element in the ocean your fish would look for.
It could be something as simple as an aquarium plant or a large rock. In general, the idea behind setting up this element in the fish tank is to give your fish protective space to lay the egg. As long as this happens, the eggs are going to have a much higher chance of surviving.
When eggs are left exposed, they don’t hatch as often.
This is a common assessment done in the wild and the same applies to fish tanks. There’s just not enough protection from everything that’s happening in the tank, which causes the eggs to break or not last as long as they need to.
This is essential if you are asking, “What do fish eggs look like in a fish tank?” after seeing something at the bottom of your fish tank.
Tip #3: Keep the Tank Clean
This is a given.
You have to keep the fish tank as clean as possible throughout the year. Any issues in this regard will mean your fish tank won’t be the right spot for the fish eggs!
A lot of fish eggs never hatch in a fish tank because of its unclean water and/or surfaces.
Do keep a fish tank clean for fish eggs, you need to think about removing old aquarium accessories, changing the water, and making sure to take regular pH tests.
This is the only way to make sure the fish eggs are safe in the tank!

Tip #4: Move the Other Fish
Let’s assume you have multiple fish in the tank.
In this case, you should look to move them to a secondary tank. The fish will be able to survive in the secondary tank and you can easily protect the fish eggs.
Remember, don’t take out the fish eggs from their tank. You should only move the other fish because that’s easier to manage.
Final Thoughts
“What do fish eggs look like in a fish tank?”
It’s a question lots of people ask when they start seeing small balls near the bottom of the fish tank.
In situations such as these, you should take the time to analyze your fish, what their eggs look like, and when they tend to breed during the year.
This is key information to make sure you don’t have something else in your fish tank.
Here’s more on how to take care of your fish – how to treat your fish’s swollen belly, how to include snails in an aquarium, how to move fish around safely, and how to get rid of bubbles in an aquarium.