Breeding the wine-red betta
Bubble-nester. The male builds a nest in a tube, under a leaf or among floating plants, and alone guards the eggs and fry. Adults usually do not eat the young; fry take microworm and Artemia nauplii once free-swimming. Very soft, acidic water is needed.
Step by step
A conditioned pair in a very soft, acidic tank.
20 L soft acidic tank with floating plants, a leaf and low flow.
Soft acidic water, live foods and warmth.
Usually fewer than 20 eggs, sometimes up to 50. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and the fry stay in the nest 3-4 more days.
Infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp; the male guards the eggs.
- Hard water
- Loud tankmates
- Too-strong flow
Male or female
Males are more colourful, develop longer fins and carry an iridescent green blotch on the flank that females lack.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Takes some experience.
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.