I started out with 8 multies in a 10 gal. with 10 shells. They paired off. I now have about 25. The fry are very small and hide in the shells for a while. One of the males makes the rounds with a few of the females that don't have a mate. I have found that the males are usually a bit larger than...
The males are usually bigger than the females. The female jewels are stockier and have intense coloration, although the males tend to show nice color when breeding.
They like bbs in addition to powdered fry food. I usually leave the jewel fry with the parents for 1 week, as long as there are no other fish in the tank.
Don't trust the parents. I have been removing the eggs at day two. My severum would eat the eggs at day 3. I have kept the past 2 clutches of eggs, placing them in a bare tank with a heater and sponge filter. All fry are growing nicely.
Good luck!