Pearl Gourami

[modernhamlet]

I have a pair of T. leeri that have been in my 29g tank for a little over a week. The male (a little bigger than 3") started off fairly rudy, but has grown progressively more red. The female (about 2.5") has widened CONSIDERABLY since putting her in. There has been a lot of chasing, posturing, and "flirting" with their "feelers". I think they want to mate. This is not something I was prepared for...

I've done some reading and it doesn't look like it would be too difficult, but I don't have a breeding tank ready for them. Will they breed in my community tank? If so, will the male become too territorial for the female and other residents to stay? If they don't will that be unhealthy for the female? She's pretty darn plump (with eggs I assume)!

pH = ~6.8
NH3, NO2 = 0
NO3 = 10-20
Temp = 77F
GH = 7-8

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Colisa lalia]

If the male can't build a nest they won't breed. You really need a breeding tank to breed these fish. If they don't breed the female will either reaborb her eggs or jettison them.