Saucer-shaped nests are excavated by female fish or by both parents in mud or sand in about 2' to 4' of water. Nests also found beneath submerged logs or cavities. Eggs are usually concealed under some protective cover, adhering more to one another than to the substrate. The number deposited depends on the age and size of the female, but the averages about 2,000 to 6,000, or more. One parent guards and fans the eggs.
Incubation is complete in a week or less under normal conditions.
Easy to keep and adapt well to captivity. With space and plenty of food, will thrive for many years in an aquarium. They grow quickly.