Breeding Betta Fish

Betta breeding only occurs when conditions are right. It should be done carefully to happen successfully. Prior to starting to reproduce Bettas, you'll need to have these supplies:

* Healthy male and female Betta fish - around 6-12 months old.

* 10 Gallon tank it is use a smaller one, but 10 gallon is ideal) with oxygenator (and perhaps a heater)

* Rich Betta food

* A different fish tank for the female Betta (for prior to the Betta breeding process occurs)

It is important to get the Bettas ready by providing them with the best quality, rich Betta food. It is crucial not to feed them too much - once or twice per day is plenty. You can let them eat tubifex worms, which are terrific for them but can be unhealthy if you overfeed them. Be sure to check out this detailed article to Betta fish food.

 

To introduce your the male and female Bettas, before the Betta fish reproduction process begins, put the male and female in adjoining tanks where they can watch each other, but cannot intermingle. You need to do this for about four to ten days.

Next, arrange the 10 gallon mating tank. It should be an empty bottomed tank, with no rocks or pebbles at the bottom. The perfect temperature is approximately 75-80 Fahrenheit, so depending on the conditions in your house, you may need a small heater and thermometor. You will also require a water oxygenator. This is better than a typical filter, because it will maintain clean water and not harm the newborns. Half a foot of water in the tank is plenty - keep it shallow. The male Betta fish will build a bubble nest prior to - putting a large leaf or piece of foam in the fish tank will help him.

Once the ten gallon tank is set up and the fish have been watching each other, you are all set to make the first intro. If the male is interested, he'll twist his body, spread his fins and flare his gills. Once you introduce the male and female, the male will begin by building the bubble nest over the first 48 hours. If the male Betta hasn't begun building the bubble nest for three days, separate the male and female and give it another try, starting with feeding them rich foods again.

The start of the Betta breeding will look like the male embracing his whole body around the female (called the embrace). He will continue embracing the female til there aren't any eggs left. Every embrace will result in from ten to forty eggs. Immediately after the female Betta has no more eggs, the male will run her away and take full care of the Betta babies. When the eggs are produced and are hidden on the bubble nest near the top of the tank, the male Betta will keep to capture falling eggs and return them back to the bubble nest.

Over the next two days, the male will continue to assist any dropping eggs and put them back in the bubble nest. After two days, you will see the first of the newborn Bettas! As one last safety measure, two days after they hatch, separate the male Betta so he does not devour his young. Congrats on the successful breeding of your Bettas. Take good care of all the Betta newborns!

For even more information about Betta Fish, be sure to read the entries, check out this list of the Best Betta Care Guides. My favorite is the Taking the Mystery Out of Betta Breeding - it's the best guide and encompasses absolutely everything you'll need to keep your Betta healthy.