subject: Betta Fish Mating Secrets [print this page] The conditions need to be perfect for Betta fish reproduction. Be certain to have the right supplies before starting the betta fish reproduction process.
Betta breeding supplies you'll need:
* A male and female Betta - about one half to a full year of age.
* A Ten Gallon fish tank (it is|it'spossible to|you can] opt for one that's smaller, but ten gallon is ideal) with oxygenator (and possibly a heater)
* High quality Betta fish food
* A alternate fish tank for the female Betta fish (for prior to the Betta mating process occurs)
It's crucial to prepare the Bettas by giving them the best quality, rich Betta food. Feeding them once or twice each day should suffice. If you give them too much live food, such as tubifex worms, they can contaminate the water and may create bacteria and other unsafe conditions. Be sure to review this detailed post to Betta fish feeding.
To begin introducing the Betta fish, prior to the Betta fish breeding process starts, put the male and female in separate tanks where they can see the other, but cannot intermingle. You must do this for about 4-10 days.
The next step is to arrange the large tank for mating. It should be an empty bottomed tank, with no pebbles on the bottom. You may need to get a heater to get to the perfect temperature of 75-80 Fahrenheit. A water oxygenator is also required. An oxygenator keeps the water clean and is safer for the babies than a filter. Half a foot of water in the mating tank will do - keep it shallow. You can put a large leaf or piece of foam in the tank to help the male in creating his bubble nest.
After the tank is prepared and the Bettas have been observing each other, you are ready to make the introduction. If the male Betta fish is into it, he will wind his body, widen his fins and open up his gills. Once you introduce the two Betta fish, the male should begin creating the bubble nest over the first two days. If there is no embrace after three days, separate the fish, feed them healthy food for a few more days, and then make another attempt.
The actual embrace will appear to be the male Betta embracing his whole body around the female. He'll continue embracing the female Betta until there are no more eggs. Every embrace will result in approximately ten to forty eggs. Once the female Betta has no more eggs, the male will sieze his territory and chase her away (so she doesn't consume the eggs out of hunger). Once the eggs are fertilized and are hidden within the bubble nest at the top of the tank, the male will continue to capture sinking eggs and return them back to the bubble nest.
The male will continue repeating this for the next two days. It should take about two days for you to begin seeing the Betta babies. To be safe remove the male Betta so he does not eat his babies. Congratulations on the successful reproduction of your Bettas. Take good care of all the baby Bettas!
