After successful pairing and mating, the female fish will lay eggs at the bottom of the tank. The number of eggs laid usually ranges from several hundred to thousands. In order to ensure the safety of the eggs and newly hatched juveniles, the parent fish need to be removed from the breeding tank in time to prevent them from eating the eggs or juveniles.

Next, is the incubation stage of the eggs. Zebra doghead eggs generally take 3 to 4 days to hatch into small fish. During this period, it is crucial to maintain suitable water temperature, water quality and oxygen supply. These factors will directly affect the hatching rate of eggs and the growth of young fish.

After successful hatching, the newborn fish are very fragile and require special care. They need to gradually adapt to their new environment and begin to eat food suitable for them. Owners should ensure that adequate nutrition and a suitable growing environment are provided to promote the healthy growth of juvenile fish.