Freeze-dried and dry foods aren't the greatest to condition any fish. Try some live and frozen foods, if you can get your hands on them.
Blackworms do wonders, but as I just stated in another thread, they do have the potential to cause internal parasites. beefheart is good too and high in fat as Simpte suggested, but wc's are a must after feeding, it's messy as hell.
Also, let them see the male until a few days before you want to spawn. Anticipation helps too.
