Step 1 in breeding Betta fish – How do I pick the best breeding pair?
For those of you who have decided to embark on the exciting adventure of breeding Betta fish , we have laid out certain simple steps in the selection of Betta parents. Without knowing how to pick the right breeding pair, your breeding efforts will come to naught.
Not only is it important to choose a healthy male and a healthy female, but both must actually like each other, too.
Age and Experience
You may be surprised to learn that Betta’s sex drive decreases dramatically after its first year of life! The age of most Betta fish found in the pet stores is six months or more. It is advisable to combine fish with the same experience in mating, if you want to succeed at breeding Betta fish .
Health
Betta coloring is one of the main reasons for their popularity and their colors are one of the best indicators of their health. After a Betta reaches “maturity” (6 months), its colors should be developed and bright. If the colors on the Bettas are not radiant and clear, you are better off not getting that fish . It may be infected or simply have inferior genes. If that is the case, your efforts at breeding Betta fish will not be well served with that fish.
Betta Gills and Scales
Observe the gill area on the Betta . It needs to be smooth and free of any bulges. The gill area should also not be too thin. That might be an indication of malnourishment or stress. Bulges are to be avoided, as well, because it could mean that the fish is constipated.
These may not seem like major problems, but when it comes to finding potential mates, you have to find fish that is as close to perfect as possible. Otherwise you risk rejection by the other partner.
The scales also need to be smooth and flat. No scales should be missing or loose, either. If the scales are bulging, the Betta might have dropsy.
Next let’s talk about the fins. You want to be sure that they spread fully while flaring.
You also have to check the fins for any signs of damage.
Remember, when breeding Betta fish , you want to start with the best possible breeding pair first.
Betta Eyes
Betta’s eyes can also tell you if the Betta is healthy. Their iris needs to be pitch black, while the rest of the eye can be a variety of colors. Make sure they are not cloudy or hazy. They should also be proportional and not protrude too much from the head.
Betta Beard
The Betta beard (noticeable mostly on the males) is found directly beneath the gills. It will be unmistakable during flaring. Look for a male Betta that reacts to external stimuli by proudly displaying its beard.
Betta Behavior
After you have screened your potential breeding partners for physical health, you need to notice their behavior. Watch for any signs of laziness. Your Betta needs to be active and responsive to any external stimuli. If the Betta does not become more active with you there, it’s best to look for another.
Breeding Betta fish is a challenging enterprise not only for the would-be breeder, but also for the Betta fish ! You really need to pick winners!
Final test
Even after selecting the best possible mates, it still can happen that this “arranged marriage” won’t work.
After you select the breeding pair, you will condition them, set up the breeding tank and finally introduce them to each other.
And now your potential mates will begin their courtship. The male may have already begun building the bubblenest. It is now that their colors will be at their most intense.
If there is no spawning after 3 days from the time you introduced the female to the breeding tank, the pair is not compatible.
So, what do I do next?? Does it mean no more breeding Betta fish for me?
Dive deeper with “Taking the Mystery out of Betta Breeding “. Read more below: