Breeding / Rarely bred at home
Step by step
Pairing
Not usually bred in home tanks. Breeding takes huge ponds and burrows.
Breeding tank
Needs a large pond with mud banks and burrows, 24-30 C.
What starts it
Breeding follows seasonal rains and the males dig burrows.
Eggs and young
Hundreds of eggs in a burrow; hatch in 4-10 days.
Raising the fry
Pond-raised fry eat algae and detritus. Grow-out is slow.
Common mistakes
- Trying in small tanks
- No burrows
- Expecting fast growth
Male or female
- Male: Larger, slightly longer pectoral spines
- Female: Rounder
- Not reliable
Can I breed it in my tank?
- This species is rarely bred in home tanks.
- Hard: for experienced breeders.