How to Breed Betta Fish Successfully
| Breeding Betta fish in your home aquarium, whether for profit or just for fun, is fairly simple once you understand the procedures and the reasoning behind each action.
The first step is to introduce and acclimatize the breeding pair to each other. Simply isolate the male and female in separate glass containers next to each other for a period of two weeks. About 12 days into the 14-week introduction period, the breeding tank should be assembled. Fill the tank with water and add the submersible heater (82oF), plants, water conditioner and the sponge filter. The filter should not be turned on until the fry are 2-weeks old for fear of being sucked into it. During this time, the tank will need to be manually cleaned daily. Place the Betta pair separately in the tank either by a divider or a glass chimney. The male will alternately display for the female (deepened color and flaring) and build a bubble nest. Likewise, the interested female will exhibit vertical stripes on her mid-section. These combined sexual behaviors signify that the pair is ready to breed. The female is released in the tank together with the male. After inspecting and approving the bubble nest, she will start to display submissively to the male. The male will wrap his body around the female and squeeze the eggs out of her, and the expelled eggs are then scooped up with his mouth and deposited in the bubble nest. The male will then chase or attack the female until the female is removed for safety. Just 24-48 hours later, the eggs will hatch and you will have a whole new brood of fry. |