Bubble-nester, not a mouthbrooder. The male builds a nest in a tube, under a leaf or among floating plants, and alone guards it; adults usually do not eat the fry, which take microworm and Artemia nauplii once free-swimming.
A conditioned pair.
40 L soft acidic planted tank with caves.
Soft acidic water and live foods.
Usually fewer than 20 eggs, sometimes up to 50. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and stay in the nest 3-4 more days.
Fry take baby brine shrimp from day 1.
Males are more colourful and develop longer fins than females; both sexes carry a large iridescent green blotch on the flank.
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.