Things You'll Need
- Breeding tank
- Distilled water
- Submersible water heater
- Flat object that will float, such as a plastic lid or styrofoam block
- Plastic aquarium plants
- Vase or glass jar
- Plastic wrap
- Dry fish food
- Brine shrimp
Instructions
Fill the breeding tank 1/3 of the way up with distilled water. The baby bettas (betta fry) are not good swimmers, so keeping the tank shallow will prevent accidental drownings when they are eventually born. Use a submersible water heater to keep the water between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should have no gravel.
Float a plastic container lid or a styrofoam block in the water. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it has a flat bottom and floats. This is where the male betta will construct his bubble nest.
Scatter some plastic aquarium plants within the tank. They can either float or sink. The purpose of the plants is to provide protection for the female in case the male gets too aggressive.
Introduce the male into the breeding tank and let him establish himself for at least two days. Over this time, the male will become comfortable in the tank and see it as his territory.
Fill a vase or glass jar with distilled water and place the female within it, then set the jar in the breeding tank. This will allow the female and male to get acquainted with each other without running the risk of the male killing her. After a few days, the male will build a bubble nest under the floating lid or styrofoam and the female will develop a peculiar striping, indicating that the two are ready to mate.
Release the female into the breeding tank and watch the pair diligently. It is normal for the male to nip or pick at the female's fins, but if he begins violently attacking her to the point where she is visibly beaten, then you will need to remove her and try again with another female or male.
Wait for the female to lay eggs, which the male will take to the bubble nest. Usually, the male will wrap himself around the female and squeeze her eggs out, which she will almost immediately attempt to eat. The male, however, will carry the eggs to the bubble nest and protect them from her violently. Once she is finished laying eggs, usually after a 24-48 hours, remove her from the breeding tank. Her job is finished.
Place plastic wrap over the lid of the tank with a few air holes to keep out drafts and watch as the male cares for the eggs, which will hatch after around 36 hours. Over this time, the father will frequently clean the eggs with his mouth.
Remove the father three days after the fry have hatched or he may begin to devour them.
Feed the fry dry food for their first two weeks of life. This food is usually condensed bacteria and is available in pet shops with instructions pertaining to specific brands.
Feed the fry brine shrimp after two weeks of life. You can also feed them microworms or tubifex worms. Separate the females from the males when their fins develop (after about a month) and separate the males when they begin fighting. Their colors will not develop until after around six months, at which point they can be bred or sold.