Breeding the paradise fish
Bubble-nester. The male builds the nest and tends the eggs; remove the adults once the fry swim freely, as the male loses interest. Soft water and a slightly raised temperature help trigger spawning.
Step by step
Pair up a male and female from a group. They spawn readily in cool water.
A 20 gallon (75 L) tank with floating plants, a lid and 22-26 C water. No heater needed in warm rooms.
Slightly warmer water and good live foods. The male builds a nest under floating plants.
Several hundred eggs per female; Seriously Fish says they hatch in about 3-4 days, then the fry stay in the nest until the yolk sac is absorbed.
Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp. Remove the female after spawning and the male when fry swim free.
- Leaving the female with an aggressive male
- Cold drafts above the water
- Too many males
Male or female
Males are larger than females and have extended soft rays in the dorsal, anal and tail fins.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Keep only one male in the breeding 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.