Protection Strategies
Marbles layer on tank bottom — eggs fall between marbles, parents cannot reach.
Plastic grid elevated 3cm above substrate — same principle.
Dense spawning mops or java moss clumps — eggs stick to fibers.
Harvest Timing
Remove parents within 30 minutes of spawn completion.
Most species scatter eggs over 1 to 3 hours in the morning.
Egg Care
Dose methylene blue immediately to prevent fungus.
Keep lights dim for 24 hours — egg shells are UV-sensitive.
Hatch time varies by species: 18 to 96 hours depending on temperature.
First Foods
Microscopic first food (infusoria or liquid fry food) needed for first 3 days.
Transition to BBS at day 4.