Breeding the java combtail
Bubble nester; the male builds and guards the nest. Apparently very fecund.
Step by step
Raise a group and let pairs form; a separate pair tank avoids battle.
200 L planted tank with caves, floating plants and gentle flow.
Warm water, high-protein live food and water changes.
About 500-700 eggs per spawning.
Baby brine shrimp, microworms and powdered foods.
- Housing the pair with other fish
- Strong flow
- Putting a male with a weak female
Male or female
Fully grown males are noticeably larger with longer unpaired fins than females; juveniles cannot be sexed.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Takes some experience.
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.