How to Breed Siamese Fighters

Siamese fighters, also known as Siamese fighting fish or bettas, are colorful freshwater fish with long, flowing fins. They are known as hardy fish, and are relatively easy to care for. These fish can be aggressive, and two males kept in the same aquarium will often fight each other, hence their name. Because of this aggression, breeding bettas can sometimes be a bit tricky. Care must be taken to ensure that the female betta is not injured. However, when the proper steps are taken, breeding Siamese fighters can be a success.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding aquarium
  • Tall aquatic plants
  • Thermometer
  • Aquarium divider
  • Live or frozen meaty fish foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a breeding aquarium. This aquarium should be small, only 10 gallons, and should have only about 6 inches of fresh water in it.

    • 2

      Place tall plants in the aquarium. These plants will provide a place for the male to anchor his bubble nest. This nest is where the eggs will be kept once their laid. You can also provide an artificial anchor, such as half a styrofoam cup, if you feel it's necessary.

    • 3

      Place a thermometer in the breeding aquarium and monitor the temperature of the water. When breeding, Siamese fighters prefer a temperature that hovers right around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Place a divider in one side of the aquarium. This can be a regular aquarium divider, or a glass chimney. The divider will protect the female from the male until their ready to breed. However, the divider should let the male see the female, so that he will begin preparing to breed.

    • 5

      Find a healthy pair of bettas. Male bettas usually have longer fins that the female fish. Males also tend to be more colorful than the female bettas, which can appear somewhat washed out. Place the male in the largest part of the aquarium. Place the female behind the divider.

    • 6

      Condition the fish, preparing them to breed. Do this by feeding both the male and female fish live or frozen, then thawed, meaty foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.

    • 7

      Observe the fish. When the male is ready to breed, he will begin to construct a bubble nest. This nest will be clearly visible at the top of the aquarium, and will be several layers deep when it's finished. When the female is ready to breed, she will display dark bars along her sides. A white breeding tube will also show under her pelvic fin.

    • 8

      Release the female into the main part of the aquarium, with the male. The male will chase the female around, and may bite or nip, in order to entice the female under the bubble nest. The male will then wrap around the female, squeezing until the female releases the eggs.

    • 9

      Remove the female as soon as the spawning is over, or the male may kill her. The male will continue caring for the eggs, and later, for the young fish, until they are free swimming.