If you’re like me, then you may have always been fascinated by the idea of breeding fish. I remember the first time I saw a dwarf gourami couple spawn; the male was clearing a small patch of gravel while the female hovered above, releasing her eggs one at a time. It was an amazing sight to see.
If you’re interested in breeding dwarf gouramis yourself, read on for everything you need to know.
How Do Dwarf Gouramis Breed?
Dwarf gouramis spawn by building depression in the substrate and releasing their gametes into it. The male does this by fanning his fins over the chosen spot, while the female releases her eggs one at a time.
After fertilization takes place, she covers them with more gravel. Many fish keepers choose to move the parents to another aquarium once the eggs are laid.
The tank must be kept very clean during this time, and you should change about 20 percent of the water each day. It’s also important that the fish receive proper nutrition; frozen brine shrimp may be added to their diet to ensure that they get all of the nutrients they need.
After about three days, the fry should hatch. At this point, you must feed them infusoria until they are ready for brine shrimp.
What Is Infusoria?
Infusoria is a type of microscopic animal life found in water that has aged or gone stagnant. An easy way to produce it at home is to place a raw potato in a jar and add water. The infusoria will grow on the underside of the potato and can then be fed to your fish fry.
What Else Do Dwarf Gouramis Need?
Dwarf gouramis enjoy living in communities with other species, so it’s best to keep them in groups containing at least six individuals. You can house them in a 30-gallon aquarium that has been heavily planted with floating plants and smooth gravel for a substrate.
You should also provide plenty of hiding places, as it makes breeding easier for shy fish. Rocks or driftwood make great hiding spots, but ceramic caves designed especially for fish are also available at pet stores.
Water should be between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a temperature of 80 degrees is best. A filter is also essential, as dwarf gouramis produce a lot of waste. Be sure to follow the instructions on whichever filtration system you choose for proper installation and maintenance.
How Often Do Dwarf Gouramis Breed?
Dwarf gouramis can breed several times a year in captivity, but you may need to adjust the tank’s water temperature in order to induce spawning.
In general, raising the temperature by about four degrees should do the trick. You can also add small amounts of aquarium salt to their water if they haven’t bred after a few months. This is not harmful to them and will not affect the pH level of the water.
What Do Dwarf Gouramis Look Like When They’re Pregnant?
When a female’s stomach begins to swell, she is pregnant and you’ll need to separate her from the rest of your fish community. You can tell if a female is pregnant by looking at her stomach; it should be round and firm, not sunken.
When do Dwarf Gouramis Lay Their Eggs?
Typically, dwarf gourami females lay their eggs within a few days of each other. They will usually produce between 80 and 100 fry each time they mate. If you wish to breed them more often, it’s easy to induce spawning simply by adjusting the water temperature.
How Can I Tell If My Dwarf Gouramis are Pregnant?
Dwarf gourami pregnancies usually last about 18 days, but you will not be able to tell if your fish is pregnant until she begins to show signs of her stomach swelling. At this point, separate her from the rest of your community or move her to a breeding tank.
Why Do Dwarf Gouramis Need Separate Tanks During Pregnancy?
There are several reasons why mother and fry need to be separated during pregnancy. For one, dwarf gourami breeding can be quite violent, and the male can injure or even kill the female if they remain together for too long. In addition, the male will be aggressive towards the fry and any other fish he sees as a threat to his family.
How Can I Make Breeding Easier?
If you want to breed your dwarf gouramis but don’t want to deal with the sometimes violent nature of their mating rituals, you should separate them as soon as you notice that a female’s stomach is swollen. Dwarf gouramis are egg scatterers, which means they release their eggs into the water to be fertilized.
One of the best ways to ensure your fish will breed successfully is by purchasing a pair from a breeder or reputable retailer who knows them well and can help you choose a compatible pair.
When Can I Expect My Dwarf Gourami Fry?
Once a mating ritual is complete, the female will begin to produce between 80 and 100 tiny fry. The fry can be fed infusoria for around three weeks, but they will also eat almost any kind of commercial fish food once they become large enough.
Conclusion
Dwarf gouramis can make a wonderful addition to a community aquarium that is properly set up and maintained, but fish owners need to understand their habits and needs before purchasing them. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll be able to provide them with the ideal environment so they can thrive in your home.
