Bubble-nester. The male builds a nest in floating plants and the female is usually tolerated; adults can stay together after spawning if the female has cover. Remove the adults once the fry swim freely. Soft water and a slight temperature rise help trigger spawning.
Introduce a conditioned female to a male's nest tank; remove her after spawning.
40-60 L planted tank with floating plants; 20-24 C is fine.
Cooler winter rest and warm spring conditions plus live food.
Several hundred floating eggs per spawn; they hatch in about 3-4 days and the fry stay in the nest until the yolk is used up, then need infusoria-sized food for a few days.
Infusoria then brine shrimp; the male guards the nest.
Males are larger than females and have extended soft rays in the dorsal, anal and tail fins.
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.