Description:
Spawning mops are one of the most effective and versatile breeding tools available to freshwater fish keepers. Handmade by us from soft green acrylic yarn, they simulate the dense plant roots and fine vegetation that many species naturally seek out when depositing their eggs. Whether you're breeding egg-scatterers, adhesive-egg layers, or raising livebearer fry, a spawning mop gives you a simple, reusable, and highly effective solution that makes egg collection and fry rearing significantly easier.
Because the mop can be lifted out of the tank entirely and transferred to a separate hatching vessel, you can protect eggs and fry from being eaten by adults without the need for complex tank dividers or additional equipment.
Boil before first use to sterilise the yarn and remove any residues. Rinse thoroughly and allow to cool before placing in your tank.
How to use:
Each mop has a loop at the top. Thread a cork through the loop to allow the mop to float at the surface, which is particularly effective for Medaka Ricefish and other surface-spawning species that prefer to deposit eggs among floating vegetation. Alternatively, leave the cork out and anchor the mop at the bottom or position it at any depth in the tank to suit your fish's natural spawning behaviour.
Important: If floating the mop, ensure all yarn strands are fully submerged within the tank. Any strands hanging over the edge of the aquarium can act as a siphon, drawing water out of the tank and onto the floor. Always check strand placement before leaving the tank unattended.
Which fish benefit from spawning mops?
Egg-Scatterers (Tetras, Danios, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Ricefish, Killifish)
These species broadcast eggs freely into the water column or among fine vegetation. The soft yarn strands mimic the texture of plant thickets, encouraging fish to spawn directly into the mop. The fibres also catch and hold sticky eggs before they can fall to the substrate where adults would quickly consume them. Once spawning is complete, simply remove the mop and transfer it to a separate hatching tank.
Adhesive-Egg Layers (Goldfish, some Corydoras)
Goldfish naturally seek out broadleaf plants or stringy roots to deposit their sticky eggs onto. Spawning mops act as a reliable, concentrated substitute that is easy to monitor and remove for incubation. Some Corydoras species will also use mops in a similar fashion, pressing eggs into the strands rather than depositing them on flat surfaces.
Livebearers (Guppies, Platies, Mollies)
While livebearers don't lay eggs, a spawning mop placed in the breeding tank gives newborn fry a dense, floating refuge to hide in immediately after birth. This significantly improves fry survival rates by keeping them out of reach of hungry adults until they are large enough to be moved or separated.
Handmade by Ripple Effect Aquatics. Suitable for freshwater breeding setups.
Product Features:
- Handmade by Ripple Effect Aquatics from soft green acrylic yarn
- Simulates dense plant roots and fine vegetation to trigger natural spawning behaviour
- Suitable for egg-scatterers, adhesive-egg layers, and livebearer fry
- Loop at the top allows a cork to be threaded through for surface floating
- Can be positioned floating, bottom-resting, or at any depth in the tank
- Entire mop can be removed and transferred to a separate hatching vessel
- Reusable with proper cleaning and maintenance
- Safe for freshwater aquariums and breeding setups
Product Specifications:
- Material: Acrylic Yarn
- Colour: Green
- Length: Approximately 30cm (may vary slightly)
- Mounting: Loop top – cork float compatible
- Made by: Ripple Effect Aquatics
- Suitable for: Freshwater breeding tanks
Items Included:
- Your choice of 3x or 5x handmade green yarn spawning mops
Spawning Mops
Spawning Mops
Low stock: 2 left
Everything about shipping, specifications and warranties is just below.
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
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How This Spawning Mop Compares
🧶 Handmade Spawning Mop
- 🎯Designed for Breeding: Soft acrylic yarn creates dense, fine strands that mimic the roots and vegetation many fish use when spawning.
- 🥚Easy Egg Collection: Eggs can become caught among the yarn strands, making the entire mop easy to remove and transfer to a separate hatching vessel.
- 🔄Reusable: Unlike disposable breeding materials, the mop can be cleaned and reused across multiple spawning attempts.
- 📍Position It Where Needed: Float it at the surface with a cork, anchor it at the bottom, or position it at any depth to suit your fish.
- 🐟Versatile for Breeding: Suitable for egg-scatterers, adhesive-egg layers and livebearer fry, making it useful across a range of freshwater breeding setups.
🌿 Live or Artificial Plants
- 🌱General Aquarium Cover: Plants provide natural-looking structure and can offer spawning surfaces or hiding places, but aren't specifically designed for easy egg collection.
- 🥚Harder to Remove: Eggs attached to plants may require the entire plant or individual leaves to be moved, which can be less convenient for dedicated breeding setups.
- 🧹Requires More Maintenance: Live plants need ongoing care, while artificial plants may require cleaning to remain suitable for breeding tanks.
- 📍Fixed Structure: Plants can be positioned around the aquarium, but aren't as simple to move between tanks or hatching vessels as a removable spawning mop.
- 🐟Species Dependent: Plants can work very well for some fish, but their suitability depends on the species and how they naturally spawn.
Spawning mops are a simple, low-cost tool that genuinely improves breeding success rates. We made our own because the options available elsewhere were limited, and having a reliable, reusable mop that fish actually respond to makes a real difference for anyone serious about breeding. They're practical, effective, and something we use ourselves.
Rinse the spawning mop thoroughly under warm water after each use to remove debris after removing all fertilised fish eggs. For a deeper clean between breeding sessions, boil the mop for a few minutes to sterilise it. Avoid using soap or chemical cleaners, as any residue can be harmful to fish. Allow the mop to air dry completely before storing. With proper care, a spawning mop can be reused many times.
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