Keep the surface calm
Strong flow destroys nests and exhausts the male. Use gentle filtration and floating cover appropriate to the species.
Supervise introductions
The male may court and chase the female. Provide hiding places and remove either fish when pursuit becomes dangerous.
Know when parents leave
In many species the female is removed after spawning and the male later removed when fry are free-swimming. Timing is species- and behaviour-specific.
Protect warm humid air
A cover helps maintain stable air above the water for developing labyrinth organs, while still allowing safe ventilation.
Prepare very small foods
Many fry need microscopic foods before newly hatched brine shrimp or larger prepared diets.