They lie on the bottom, returning to the surface for air generally every half hour. They do not leave the water voluntarily. Initially the young have trouble diving and remain near the surface of the water. They can immediately begin snapping at food. After one month they are capable of swimming and diving as practiced by adults.
Males use a series of rapid clicking sounds as a mating call.
Unready females quiver in order to reject the attempts by a male to mate. After reproduction, the male and female separate. The young generally emerge from their pouches under their own power, however the mother can exert pressure that will force the young to emerge. In an aquarium environment, the mother doesn't eat her young even if they come close to her mouth or touch her hands. Males make single clicking sounds during fights or to challenge territory.