Bubble-nester; the male builds and guards the nest. Males can be rough with the female during breeding, so give plenty of cover and remove her after spawning.
Buy 6 young fish and let them pair up. Condition with live foods before spawning.
A 20-30 gallon (75-110 L) planted tank, 27-28 C, lots of floating plants and a lid. Keep the water soft and slightly acidic.
Warm water, floating plants, rich food and a settled pair.
200-300 eggs per spawning; they hatch in about 20-30 hours and fry swim freely 4-5 days later.
Feed infusoria and then baby brine shrimp. Remove the female after spawning and the male when fry swim free. Keep a lid on to keep the air warm.
One breeding tank for the pearl gourami, drawn to scale from the breeding guide.
Water: 27–28 °C · pH 6–7.5 · soft water
A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 12 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.
A 120 cm rack for breeding the pearl gourami in numbers.
In total: 3 tanks, about 375 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.
Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.
Tip: Throat colour
From the checked notes: “Mature males are more colourful, with an orange-red throat and breast that brightens when breeding, and longer fins with a pointed dorsal. Females are plainer and plumper.” Numbers sit on the part of the body each difference is about. Tap a picture to see it bigger.
Typical for bubble-nest builders
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
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.
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.