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betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 2:43 am
by onyxlab
I've set up a breeding tank for my male and female betta. The male had it to himself for about a week before I added the female in a breeder box for another week. After that, I released her into the tank - the male had already built a massive bubble nest by then. She was showing vertical stripes, a clear sign she was ready to breed. When I introduced them, there was the usual chasing and hiding, but thankfully no ripped fins or wounds. Now she's hiding from the male, who doesn't attack her but still makes her flee at the sight of him. He's flaring gently and showing off his fins, though. I'm torn between letting them sort it out and intervening by removing her to the breeder box again. When she's around the male, she's really lethargic, but she does come up to eat and get air, then just rests at the bottom. Any advice would be appreciated.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 2:57 am
by SeaBidder
onyxlab wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2025 2:43 am
I've set up a breeding tank for my male and female betta. The male had it to himself for about a week before I added the female in a breeder box for another week. After that, I released her into the tank - the male had already built a massive bubble nest by then. She was showing vertical stripes, a clear sign she was ready to breed. When I introduced them, there was the usual chasing and hiding, but thankfully no ripped fins or wounds. Now she's hiding from the male, who doesn't attack her but still makes her flee at the sight of him. He's flaring gently and showing off his fins, though. I'm torn between letting them sort it out and intervening by removing her to the breeder box again. When she's around the male, she's really lethargic, but she does come up to eat and get air, then just rests at the bottom. Any advice would be appreciated.
How old is your female betta, do you have any idea?
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 4:08 am
by onyxlab
I've had her for over a year now and she's been perfectly fine, so I'm not too worried about her age. To be honest, I don't know her exact age, but I'm pretty sure she's older than him.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 5:47 am
by infold
I think you should've taken a different approach here. First, make sure your female's in top condition - well-fed, nice and plump with eggs. The ovipositor's a good indicator of her condition. Then, introduce her to the male early in the morning, before the lights come on, when it's still dark. For now, I'd recommend taking her out and trying again in a couple of weeks. Try to time it close to the new moon, that's when they usually spawn. They'll likely be done in a few hours, so keep a close eye on them. Get her out once they're finished.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 6:28 am
by onyxlab
I'll give the moon method a go, I can see her egg spot, so I know she's ready. He's going crazy building a bubble nest, but she's not giving me any positive signs of interest in him. It's been a couple of weeks now, should I consider trying a new female?
UPDATE: Just saw the male and female flaring at each other through the breeder - is this something I should be worried about?
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 8:04 am
by infold
It seems like we're getting somewhere. Key thing is introducing them early morning, while it's still dark. This way, they won't get startled and fight. They'll get to know each other as the light increases. The whole process should be over within a couple of hours, so keep a close eye on them. The new moon thing, I just find it helps, based on my own experience. The flaring at each other, that's a good sign - it means they're interested in each other and she's not intimidated. Now's the time, put them together and see what happens.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 9:22 am
by onyxlab
I put them together and it didn't go well. He attacked her and she's badly wounded now. I think I'm going to get a younger female for the tank instead. To be honest, I think she's too old for breeding anyway, and she deserves to just live out her life in my community tank, free from stress.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 9:50 am
by infold
I think you've been doing a great job so far, and with a bit more patience, you'll get the results you're looking for. I've been in your shoes before, and I know how frustrating it can be, but trust me, it's worth it in the end.
Re: betta breeding advice and questions
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 10:17 am
by coltin
onyxlab wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2025 2:43 am
I've set up a breeding tank for my male and female betta. The male had it to himself for about a week before I added the female in a breeder box for another week. After that, I released her into the tank - the male had already built a massive bubble nest by then. She was showing vertical stripes, a clear sign she was ready to breed. When I introduced them, there was the usual chasing and hiding, but thankfully no ripped fins or wounds. Now she's hiding from the male, who doesn't attack her but still makes her flee at the sight of him. He's flaring gently and showing off his fins, though. I'm torn between letting them sort it out and intervening by removing her to the breeder box again. When she's around the male, she's really lethargic, but she does come up to eat and get air, then just rests at the bottom. Any advice would be appreciated.
It seems there's no chemistry between them. I'd suggest trying a different female, one that might be more receptive to the male's advances.