Noticing the fish at an auction, I decided to bid on them. The female is slightly larger than the male. The male is more brightly coloured than the female.

Before you decide to breed these fish, have lots of floating plants or hiding places for the fry. The adults love to eat their young. I found that out the hard way.

I set up a ten gallon tank, with lot floating plants. Believe me lots of floating plants. They're not a big fish at all, but she was quite large, carrying he young. You could actually see the young moving inside her, before she dropped them. When she did start drop them she gave quick chase. That's where all your floating plants come into play. The fry quicklyfind a spot to hide. Once she was done, I removed her from the tank. I had twenty-seven new Goodeid's. They grow quickly on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Once spawning is complete, the male defends the entire area and keeps all fish (including his 'beloved' mate) away. I usually remove the adult fish once spawning is complete as there is little or no benefit to keeping them in the tank.

The fry hatch in 24 - 48 hours at 80øF and hang from the surface vertically as minute black slivers. (Fungus of the eggs has not been a problem for me as yet.) They become free swimming in 36 - 48 hours after this. I haven't needed to do any water changes. With all the plants and light my tank receives, there is a fair bit of infusoria and other micro organisms about although I do feed either several drops of Liquifry (c) or a small amount ofemulsified fine powder.

Keep the top of the tank covered (as with all other labyrinth fry) because, a chill of the air immediately over the fry when the labyrinth is developing at 4-6 weeks will kill them or damage the developing labyrinth resulting in sickly fry. (Besides, they are excellent jumpers!)

They grow slowly but steadily and, given proper care, will be full grown in about six months. Give them a try and have fun!