Breeding Betta fish Tips

Breeding Betta Fish is a process that while complicated, will reap some rewards for the patient aquarium enthusiast. First of all, you need to have a male and a female of the species. With Bettas, it is usually a good idea to keep the male in a separate tank from the rest of your fish. The female Bettas are generally fine grouped in one tank together.

Reduce Stress Environment for the Female Betta

Once you have this separation, you have to convince the female that conditions are right for her to make eggs. This calls for a stable tank environment with varied and plentiful food. This habitat also needs to be clean and the bacteria levels need to be low enough not to cause stress on the female, so it is a good idea to change the tank water on a regular basis to keep ammonia levels down.

Prepare for Spawning

At some point, you will notice your female Bettas getting plump, and may even be able to see the outline of eggs. When this happens, introduce some of the water from the female tank into the male tank so he knows to start making a bubble nest. Once the bubble nest is complete, the male is ready to do his part in the spawning process.

Transfer the Female Betta Out to Avoid Eggs Being Eaten

The female is introduced into the male tank, and left overnight. The male squeezes the eggs out of the female and puts them into the bubble nest. Once the female is exhausted of eggs, transfer the female out of the male tank so that she does not eat her own eggs. The male will then milt over the eggs to fertilize them.

Relocate the Fry to Different Tank Once They Emerge

The male Betta takes over the job of protecting and cleaning the eggs, and the chemicals in his mouth are also responsible for breaking down the covering of the eggs so the fry can emerge. This takes a few days. When this part is over, you can relocate the fry to their own tank, and feed them powder fish food until they get big enough for the larger stuff.