Bubblenester that builds a large nest among floating plants. The male gathers the eggs into the nest and guards them; remove the female after spawning for her safety. Keep the tank tightly covered for the fry.
One male to a conditioned female in a roomy tank.
60 L tank with floating plants, water level 15-20 cm, 26-28 C.
Warm water, plenty of live food.
500-1,000 eggs; they hatch in about 24-36 hours and the fry swim freely about 3 days later.
Infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp. Remove the female after spawning.
One breeding tank for the banded gourami, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 26–28 °C · pH 6–7.5
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 10 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A 120 cm rack for breeding the banded gourami in numbers.
In total: 3 tanks, about 300 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.
Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.
Males are much more colourful than females and develop pointed dorsal and anal fins as they mature; the anal fin often has a red edge.
Typical for bubble-nest builders
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
Males start fighting at about 8 weeks and need their own jars.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.