It’s little wonder that the Betta fish has become such a popular fish in the home aquarium today. And what could be better than having a Betta fish in your aquarium? – owning many of course, and breeding Bettas for yourself is the perfect solution! It is quite an attractive and spectacular looking specimen, particularly the male of the species. With long, flowing fins and readily available in a beautiful range of colors they are sure-fire winners.
Bettas are from the Anabantoid family which has a special way of breathing oxygen from the atmosphere by using a labrynth organ or unique type of lung.
If you would like to get started in Betta breeding then the first requirement is to become familiar with the species and find out about its proper care. Some of the most important points to look for in caring for Bettas are:
- Give your Bettas enough space. They need room to swim freely and not damage their fins. A 3 gallon tank is the recommended size to provide enough space and also supply more oxygen than a smaller container can provide because of the larger volume of water.
- Keep the water extremely clean by changing it frequently – at least every three days. Let any new water set for 24 hours before adding to allow any chemicals to dissipate.
- Remove any food debris sitting on the bottom of the tank. Uneaten food will pollute the water, turn it cloudy and smelly and can contribute to fish illnesses and infections.
- Maintain a steady temperature in the tank between 65 and 75 degrees and do not place the tank in direct sunlight to avoid overheating and also avoid a cold drafty position.
- It may be obvious, but do not keep males in the same tank. Males are aggressive fighters and will protect their territory “to the death” and for this reason the species is also known as Siamese Fighting Fish.
Following these few basic guidelines are the best way to keep your Betta fish happy, healthy and active and therefore building a solid foundation for your Betta Breeding program. It is wise to do some research and follow the advice from experienced breeders. This way you can avoid any of the drawbacks and hassles that beginner breeders may face and discover some of the little-known techniques that will easily lead you into successful Betta breeding.