Breeding the brunei beauty
Paternal mouthbrooder: the male carries the eggs. Incubation reported as 14-35 days, after which the male releases free-swimming fry. Males often swallow broods if disturbed, so keep the tank quiet; the fry (5 mm+) take microworm and Artemia nauplii at once.
Step by step
A well-fed pair in a roomy tank.
100 L soft acidic tank with caves, leaf litter and plants.
Soft acidic water and meaty foods.
30-60 eggs carried by the male.
Fry are large enough for baby brine shrimp, microworms and grindal worms.
- Housing males together
- Small tankmates getting eaten
Male or female
Males grow larger, are more colourful (red), have a broader head and longer fins than females.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Takes some experience.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for mouthbrooders
- 21 days beforeGroup and condition
Usually one male with several females. Feed high-quality food.
- Day 0Spawning
The female takes the eggs into her mouth and stops eating.
- Day 21Release
After about 3 weeks the female releases fully formed fry. Many breeders move her to a quiet tank first.
- Day 21First food
Fry eat crushed flake and baby brine shrimp straight away.
- Day 90Grow-out
Fry are a few centimetres long after about 3 months.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Usually one male with several females. Feed high-quality food.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.