Breeding the peaceful betta
Bubble nester: the male builds the nest, places the eggs in it and guards it alone; the female can usually stay in the tank.
Step by step
Place a conditioned female in the male's tank, then remove her after spawning.
20-40 L planted tank with floating plants, a bit of leaf litter and a gentle sponge filter.
Live foods, warm water and floating cover.
Egg count not found in sources. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours; fry stay in the nest 3-4 more days until the yolk sac is used up.
Infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp; the male guards the nest and fry for several days.
- Leaving the female with the male
- Strong flow
- Keeping two males together
Male or female
Males are more colourful (blue-green iridescent scales, red crescent on the tail) and grow longer fins; females are duller and, when ready to spawn, turn paler with dark bars on the flanks.
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.