Eggs are white in colour at the time of spawning and may
get darker with time. The yolk and comparatively large fat
globules are visible. The fertilized eggs hatched within 7–9 days
generally between 19:00 and 22:00 h. A major role in parental
care was played by the male during incubation. This mainly involves
fanning and mouthing the eggs. Fanning was done by
flurrying the pectoral fins, which created mild water current
over the egg clutch. The unfertilized, dead eggs and dust
particles were also removed during the process of mouthing.