Signs of Male Gouramis Building a Bubble Nest

Gouramis are closely related to bettas, and many species share the bettas' habit of building bubble nests. The bubble nest serves as a home for the eggs and developing fry, and after the nest is built and the eggs are laid, the male guards it fiercely from any intruders. Watch for bubble spitting behavior, and mats of bubbles in the corners of the aquarium.

  1. Selecting the Spot

    • The male will start to swim around at the surface of the water, looking for a spot that is free of disturbance. If you notice tiny bubbles on the surface of the aquarium water, you probably have a nest builder.

    Nest Construction

    • If you want to encourage nest building, you can help by cutting a Styrofoam cup in half and placing it with the open side of the cup facing the aquarium wall. The male will begin to slurp air off the surface of the water, and then spit bubbles into the area under the cup.

    The Bubble Nest

    • It takes awhile for the bubbles to start to stay. Most will pop at first. The male will keep spitting bubbles until he has formed a mat of foam consisting of tiny bubbles.

    Getting the Female

    • Once he has finished, the male will then lead the female to inspect his nest. If she finds the nest acceptable, they will mate.