Breeding the dwarf gourami
The male builds a bubble nest at the surface, often with bits of plant, and guards it. A spawn can be up to about 600-700 eggs, which usually hatch within about 36 hours.
Step by step
Buy a young group and pick a calm male and a plump female. Condition with live foods.
A 10-20 gallon (40-75 L) tank, 27-28 C, low water level, lots of floating plants and a lid. Keep humid air above the water.
Warm water, floating plants and good food. The male builds a bubble nest.
300-600 eggs; they hatch in 24-48 hours.
Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp. Remove the female after spawning and the male when fry swim free. Keep the air above the water warm so the labyrinth organ develops.
- Cold air above the water, which harms fry
- Leaving the female with an aggressive male
- Using stock that carries Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus
Male or female
Males are a little larger and much more colourful, with red and blue stripes and longer dorsal and anal fins. Females are silvery and plainer.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for bubble-nest builders
- 10 days beforeCondition and introduce
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
- Day 0Spawning under the nest
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
- Day 2Eggs hatch
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
- Day 4Free swimming
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
- Day 10Baby brine shrimp
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
- Day 56Separate males
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.
Simulator: guided
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
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.