Breeding the betta
Bubble-nest builder. The male builds the nest at the surface and alone guards the eggs; they hatch in 24-48 hours, and he loses interest once the fry swim freely. Seriously Fish says the adults can normally be left in place.
Step by step
Buy a healthy male and female from a good source. Condition both with live or frozen foods and let them see each other through glass first.
A 10 gallon (40 L) tank, 28 C, low water level, floating plants or a foam cup for the nest, and lots of hiding places for the female. Use a lid.
Warm water, rich food and a female showing pale vertical stripes. The male builds a bubble nest.
100-400 eggs. They hatch in about 24-48 hours; fry swim free in 3-4 days.
Feed infusoria, then microworms and baby brine shrimp. Remove the female after spawning, and the male when fry swim free. Males must be split into single jars at 8-10 weeks.
- Leaving the female in, so the male hurts her
- Too much water current that breaks the nest
- Not having enough jars for the fighting males
Male or female
Males have much longer fins and stronger colors. Females have short fins and a small white ovipositor (egg tube) behind the belly fins.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Keep only one male in the breeding tank.
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for bubble-nest builders
- 10 days beforeCondition and introduce
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
- Day 0Spawning under the nest
The male wraps the female and places eggs in the nest. Remove the female after spawning.
- Day 2Eggs hatch
Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours. The male catches falling fry and returns them to the nest.
- Day 4Free swimming
Remove the male. Feed infusoria and keep the air above the water warm and humid.
- Day 10Baby brine shrimp
Move on to baby brine shrimp and microworms. Change small amounts of water daily.
- Day 56Separate males
Males start fighting at about 8 weeks and need their own jars.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Feed well, then let the female see the male through glass before putting them together.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.