Conditioning the Pair
Feed adults heavy live food (BBS, daphnia, bloodworms) for 1-2 weeks. Females develop visibly egg-laden bellies.
Identify pairs: females are rounder, males are slimmer with brighter color.
Breeding Tank Setup
5-10 gallons. Bare bottom or marbles on the bottom (eggs fall through and parents cannot reach them).
Fine-leaved plants or spawning mop. Soft water (RO or rainwater preferred), pH 5.5-6.5, temperature 78-82°F.
Dim light. Minimal filtration (sponge filter at low flow).
- ✦Always have a backup tank for fry.
- ✦Sterilize equipment to prevent fungus on eggs.
Spawning
Add the conditioned pair in the evening. They typically spawn the next morning.
Spawning behavior: male chases female, both shimmy together, eggs scatter into plants/mop. Usually 100-300 eggs per spawn.
Remove parents immediately after spawning — they will eat all the eggs.
Egg Care
Cover the tank to keep darkness — light damages eggs.
Add methylene blue (a few drops) to prevent fungus.
Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours. Wrigglers stay attached to surfaces for another 3-4 days.
Fry Rearing
First foods are tiny: infusoria, vinegar eels, or commercial liquid fry food. Newly hatched brine shrimp by week 2.
Daily small water changes. Frequent feeding (4-5 times per day).
By 6-8 weeks, fry are recognizable as tetras. Full color by 12 weeks.