Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, produce tiny, translucent eggs. These eggs are usually round, approximately 1 millimeter in diameter, and appear like small, clear pearls. They may have a slight yellowish tint and are coated in a protective, slimy layer.
The Breeding Process
The breeding process for Betta fish begins with the male constructing a bubble nest on the water’s surface. He creates these nests by taking in air from the surface with his labyrinth organ and forming it into bubbles, often mixed with bits of plants. This nest serves as a secure, oxygen-rich environment for the eggs.
Once the nest is ready, the male entices a female through courtship displays, which can involve flaring his fins. If the female is receptive, indicated by vertical stripes on her body in some varieties, the pair engages in a spawning embrace. During this embrace, the male wraps his body around the female, causing her to release 10 to 40 eggs at a time.
As the eggs are released, the male simultaneously fertilizes them. The fertilized eggs, which are slightly oval, then fall. Both the male and, occasionally, the female collect these eggs in their mouths and gently place them into the prepared bubble nest. This entire spawning process can last from half an hour to several hours, with a single female potentially laying up to 500 eggs.
Caring for Beta Eggs
After the eggs are laid and secured in the bubble nest, the male Betta assumes responsibility for their care. He guards the nest, retrieves any fallen eggs, and adds new bubbles to maintain its structure and provide oxygen for the developing embryos. The female is typically removed from the tank after spawning to prevent her from eating the eggs.
Maintaining stable water conditions is important for successful egg development. Water temperature should be kept between 78 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5-30°C). Consistent water quality, including appropriate pH levels (6.5-7.5) and low ammonia/nitrite, is also important. This can be achieved through a gentle filtration system and regular, small water changes. Fungal growth can be a challenge for eggs, but the male often removes unfertilized or damaged eggs, which are more susceptible to fungus, to keep the nest healthy.
Hatching and Early Fry Care
Betta eggs hatch within 24 to 72 hours, depending on water temperature. Newly hatched Betta fry are tiny, about 0.1 inches long, and are often called “wigglers” because they mostly hang vertically with their tails sticking out of the nest. At this stage, they are translucent and rely on their yolk sacs for nourishment.
The male Betta continues his parental duties by picking up any fry that fall from the nest and returning them. After 2-3 days, the yolk sacs are absorbed, and the fry become free-swimming, meaning they can swim horizontally. At this point, the male Betta should be carefully removed from the tank to prevent him from eating the fry.
Initial feeding for the tiny fry is important, as they need microscopic organisms. Infusoria, which are tiny aquatic microorganisms, are a common first food, followed by micro-worms or newly hatched baby brine shrimp within 24-60 hours of free-swimming. Some breeders also use finely crushed hard-boiled egg yolk as an initial food source.