1990–1996 historical trial
A Malaysian Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre report describes acquisition of initial Bukit Merah golden broodstock in 1990 and successful breeding in concrete tanks in 1996. This is a government-research project; it is not a method disclosure for the 30 private farms in the CITES directory.
Housing and water
The report describes eight broodfish in a 5 × 5 m concrete tank with roughly 0.5 m of water, partial shading, a quiet environment and protection from jumping. Trial target water was pH 6.8–7.5 and 27–29°C with partial water replacement. These are study-site conditions, not universal adult minimum housing standards.
Feed and reproductive maturity
The experiment reported mixed aquatic food including freshwater prawns, chopped fish and other live prey, with supplemental pelleted feed containing 32% crude protein. The reported feeding quantity was about 2% of body mass per day. First maturity was described from about age four years. Introducing unquarantined wild/live prey into hobby aquaria carries parasite risks.
Male mouthbrooding and fry care
After fertilization, the male carried eggs and developing young orally for several weeks. Assisted harvesting and incubator practices were documented as specialized methods; these should not be imitated without professional aquaculture training and animal-welfare safeguards.