Male gourami unable to make bubblenest?

[whobob3296]

I have had two three spot gouramis for well over a year now. The female has been very plump for a while now. They have both recently started to turn very dark blue. The conditions are optimal but the male is unable to make a bubble nest. They continue to court but no bubbles seem to stick when he blows at the surface. Is there anyway to make an artificial nest or can they lay eggs without it?

[rich311k]

Float a bottom of a styro foam cup upside down for him. it will give him a place to build the nest. You should lower the water level, bump up the temperature and keep current to a minimum.

[Sarkazmo]

Another trick is to cut a round or oval out of the tiny bubble bubble wrap and float that. He thinks he's a stud because his bubbles are big and should start tending it and adding to it. At least this works with some Betta males. You could also try a yellow plastic lid like the ones on Frito Snax snack cans. Some think that the yellow is a trigger because the leaves that're often used for nesting in the wild are yellow and have dropped to the water. Again this is with Betta but it's worth a shot. Some Betta breeders also use Indian Almond Leaves in the breeding tanks. Good luck!

Sark

[whobob3296]

Thanks for the quick replies. I have put the rim of a paper cup in the tank hoping it will trap the bubbles. The problem is when he makes them they pop. I don't currently have an actual current going besides a sponge filter on the opposite side of the tank.