Phase 1: Nest Construction
Male builds a bubble nest under floating plants, styrofoam cup, or driftwood.
Nest construction takes 2 to 48 hours. Larger nests signal readiness.
Phase 2: Female Introduction
Introduce female in a clear container within the tank for 24 hours so both fish see but cannot contact.
Release female only if male is flaring positively and nest is 5cm+ across.
Phase 3: Courtship and Embrace
Male chases female (normal). If chase becomes violent, remove female immediately.
Embrace occurs under the nest. Eggs release mid-embrace and sink briefly.
Male collects falling eggs in his mouth and places them in the nest.
Phase 4: Remove Female
Once embraces finish (usually after 1 to 2 hours with 50 to 500 eggs), remove female.
Male will aggressively defend nest and attack her.
Phase 5: Male Tending
Male spends 48 hours picking up falling eggs and repositioning them.
Do not feed male during this time — he will not eat and food rots.
Phase 6: Remove Male
Once fry are free-swimming horizontally (day 3 post-hatch), remove male.
He begins to see fry as food after this stage.