Betta Fish Love Affair

The next phase is to introduce the female betta fish to the male. I always do a indirect introduction first by placing the female in a jar and then put the jar in the breeding tank. The jar is normally only half filled having high walls that prevent either fish from jumping in or out, and at the same time, the female has no problems reaching the surface for air. This indirect introduction may take place concurrently with the male Betta fish building the nest. Depending on the fishes, the sight of a female can either spurs the male into building a nest faster, or simply just distract him from his job, so the breeder has to react accordingly. 

When the female betta fish shows that she subverts to the male, by showing very distinct vertical stripes/bars and at times a drooping head, it is time to physically introduce her to the breeding tank. It does not matter how dark of colourful the female is before mating session, her strips will be very visible. There may be identification problems when it comes to light bodied fishes though.

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Lino's Betta Fish Tank Setup

After the common goldfish, betta fish, commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular fish breeds purchased by budding freshwater fish hobbyists. Commonly sold in pet shops alongside small "betta bowls," these beautiful fish actually require more space than one might expect. Selling a betta in a vase with a plant has become a popular sales technique. However, a flower vase is not a suitable environment for the betta. 

The first recorded domestication of this species dates back to 1893 although the american and european society realise these fishes as pets only in the 1920s. The initial domestication period of betta splenden are focused mainly on their fighting ability since bettas often fight to the death in the confinement of capitivity. This aggressive trait is a throwback to their wild habits where the male fights to defend territory. He builds a nest of bubbles at the surface among aquatic vegetation. After courtship, the fish gathers the fertilised eggs into the mouth and spits them into the nest to develop further under his guard. 

Some aquarium hobbyists later breed the betta splenden for fancy display. The fish was allowed to develop long and big fins along with striking colours. The fancy betta splenden today boasts of wide fins, the widest caudal fin I know of is a massive 220o. The fish also come in many colours such as yellow, red, black, blue, green and purple.

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My most beautiful bettafish

A breeding pair is selected. The pair has to be conditioned to full spawning capability. This means a period of multiple feedings a day, preferably with live food. With proper care, most females Betta fish should be ready within 3 weeks. The keyword here is patience, patience and more patience. I have seen too many cases of the over enthusiatic aquarist introduce the intended breeding pair to each other before either is ready. The end result is almost always an aborted spawning attempt and two injured fishes. 

The female Betta fish at the time of mating should ideally be swollen with eggs. Swollen as in she appears to be bursting from eggs. The more accomplished breeder can probably make do with less ready females. I have read that black water extract helps to spur them into breeding mood, but personally never needed to do that. There are cases where the intended breeding female is bigger than the male. Such pairing should be avoided if possible as the male Betta fish may find it difficult to position himself for a complete "wrap" of the female. This in turn may reduce the chances of the eggs being fertilized.

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