Confirm the basics
Verify species, sex and maturity. Many fish are difficult to sex outside breeding condition.
Review health and body condition
Thin, bloated, injured or stressed fish should not be pushed to reproduce.
Check social compatibility
A pair may not bond; a group may have the wrong ratio; tank mates may suppress courtship.
Match the method
Provide the right surface, cave, mop, cover or water movement. Generic decoration is not a spawning site.
Stop manipulating blindly
Rapid temperature, pH or water changes can harm fish. Use only gradual species-supported cues and accept that not every fish should be bred.