Breeding the emerald betta
Bubble nester: the male builds the nest, places the eggs in it and guards it alone.
Step by step
Condition a pair separately and introduce the female to the male's nest.
30 L planted tank with floating plants and a gentle sponge filter.
Live foods and warm water.
Egg count not found in sources. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours; fry stay in the nest 3-4 more days.
Infusoria then baby brine shrimp; the male guards the fry.
- Leaving the female in with the male
- Fast flow
- Cool water
Male or female
Males are more colourful (reddish-brown with an iridescent blue or green spot on each scale, blue fins with red rays) and grow longer fins; females are brown with two darker stripes.
Can I breed it in my 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.