Mating Bettas

Trevor Stenson · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 8

Hi,

I'm a newbie here.

I'm trying to mate a pair of Bettas. The female displayed typical
behavior when introduced including sparing off with the male, a slight
change in coloration, and is now laden with eggs. The male seemed to
start building a bubble nest - but in the end didn't, and now doesn't
seem interested in mating.

I have a 20 gallon tank. lots of caves and plant cover including some
floating plants (hornwort). Outside filter. No air stones. I'm keeping
the temperature at 81°F. pH is about 7 to 7.5.

Is there any tricks or methods to get the male interested in mating? or
is the pair incompatible and should I try another male after removing
the first to another tank?.

Also, what about the female? She looks like she will burst. Will she
drop her eggs regardless at some point? Will she be alright? Will she
produce more eggs with another male later? Is it too late to try
another male?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

TS

--
Trevor Stenson

http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Digs.html
http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Blog/Blog.html

Archived from group: alt>aquaria>tropical>fish>hobbist

Nikki · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 62

replied on alt.aquaria
nik

"Trevor Stenson" wrote in message @shawnews...
> Hi,
>
> I'm a newbie here.
>
> I'm trying to mate a pair of Bettas. The female displayed typical
> behavior when introduced including sparing off with the male, a slight
> change in coloration, and is now laden with eggs. The male seemed to
> start building a bubble nest - but in the end didn't, and now doesn't
> seem interested in mating.
>
> I have a 20 gallon tank. lots of caves and plant cover including some
> floating plants (hornwort). Outside filter. No air stones. I'm keeping
> the temperature at 81°F. pH is about 7 to 7.5.
>
> Is there any tricks or methods to get the male interested in mating? or
> is the pair incompatible and should I try another male after removing
> the first to another tank?.
>
> Also, what about the female? She looks like she will burst. Will she
> drop her eggs regardless at some point? Will she be alright? Will she
> produce more eggs with another male later? Is it too late to try
> another male?
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
>
> TS
>
> --
> Trevor Stenson
>
> http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Digs.html
> http://members.shaw.ca/kitschy/Blog/Blog.html

Nikki · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 62

"MEAlston" wrote in message $kg.1899@news02.roc.ny...
>I noticed the mating rituals pickup significantly when I added more foliage
> to my betta tank. (55gal) I placed long willow branches in the tank and
> the
> pursuit was on. When I decided against the willows, after removal, the
> courtship was over. I took delivery of more plants...and after their
> addition...the courtship picked up again. The male made his nest and the
> female was err...umm..shall we say...showing favor towards him.
>
>
yes they do like having things like plants in the tank, I also heard of
almond leaves they sell for that purpose, who knows if they really work. did
you post on the other NG that you have a female and male betta in the 55 gl?
how do they get along? I have an all female tank w/ ten female bettas, then
I have males well all over the place in the house. do you have them
together to breed or just living together and if they are just living
together did you have any problems with them in the beginning?
Nik

MEAlston · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

I noticed the mating rituals pickup significantly when I added more foliage
to my betta tank. (55gal) I placed long willow branches in the tank and the
pursuit was on. When I decided against the willows, after removal, the
courtship was over. I took delivery of more plants...and after their
addition...the courtship picked up again. The male made his nest and the
female was err...umm..shall we say...showing favor towards him.

Nikki · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 62

"MEAlston" wrote in message $kg.807@news02.roc.ny...
> Nikki wrote:
>> "MEAlston" wrote in message
>> $kg.1899@news02.roc.ny...
>>> I noticed the mating rituals pickup significantly when I added more
>>> foliage
>>> to my betta tank. (55gal) I placed long willow branches in the tank and
>>> the
>>> pursuit was on. When I decided against the willows, after removal, the
>>> courtship was over. I took delivery of more plants...and after their
>>> addition...the courtship picked up again. The male made his nest and
>>> the
>>> female was err...umm..shall we say...showing favor towards him.
>>>
>>>
>> yes they do like having things like plants in the tank, I also heard of
>> almond leaves they sell for that purpose, who knows if they really work.
>> did you post on the other NG that you have a female and male betta in the
>> 55 gl? how do they get along? I have an all female tank w/ ten female
>> bettas, then I have males well all over the place in the house. do you
>> have them together to breed or just living together and if they are just
>> living together did you have any problems with them in the beginning?
>> Nik
> The only thing that's been a drag was that the female loves to nip at his
> tail (plummage) and he just sits there and lets her nip away.
> They were introduced into the new tank together and to date get along
> fine. He'll get into his courting mood and flair his gills and
> fins...about 6 days into having them I noticed his tailfin having a GAP
> missing..not what I'd call evidence of nipping. It then resembled a
> twin-tail or split-tail betta. I pulled the silk philledendrin out and
> checked them carefully for any sharp edges. I found some and removed
> them.
>
> I thought it was odd that with a new tank and fish from a good dealer that
> I already had a finrot case on my hands. I never posted it because I just
> refused to believe it. And the other signs of finrot weren't there.
> About the 10th day, I saw them side by side..and she was just nipping away
> at his tailfin...he looked as though he was enjoying it. Then He would
> chase her around abit..And sometimes She'll chase him around. Cat and
> mouse like.
>
> He's blown two (2) bubble nests. The first nest he constructed...She was
> laying on her side and the eggs were just popping out like sand..without
> his assistance. Then she'd turn and gobble them up..He'd turn- and I was
> waiting for the bubble deal...no way..He was eating them too...I
> thought-well, juveniles..don't know any better. The female is still full
> as a tick. His plummage is all but gone...He looks like they do in the
> wild now. Nothing fancy..no fin rot...just a cobalt blue fish. She's a
> golden yellow with a dark underside, and her face looks like its been
> floured (white face). She's full of personality, comes right to me
> anytime I'm near or in the tank. She's eating from my fingers now. He's
> still alittle leary but I spend alot of time with him; looking him over. I
> read where I couldn't put a male and female together in the same tank..and
> sure 'nuff, the dealer told me the same thing. I bought the male same day
> I got the tank..the female was a gift from a neighbor of mine.
>
> SO that's the scoop on my tank. Sorry for getting winded there.
> -ED <`))x<

that's ok, love hearing about betta's like I said I got my fair share of
them my self, I got an all female tank and seven males in separate tanks, my
females are so neat to watch, but always have to know whats going on,
always wanting to see what I am doing, I cant vacuum the tank with out them
trying to swim up in the vac, if they see me they all come over, they are
pretty funny, I would love to have one of my males in there but I don't
trust my females, I put the thing in there so I know what the temp is in the
tank and they all gathered around it and came back and forth all day to
check on it, a few attacked it....i dont think any of my boys would last in
there...i bet at some point you end up with little babies.....
Nik

MEAlston · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

Nikki wrote:
> "MEAlston" wrote in message
> $kg.1899@news02.roc.ny...
>> I noticed the mating rituals pickup significantly when I added more foliage
>> to my betta tank. (55gal) I placed long willow branches in the tank and
>> the
>> pursuit was on. When I decided against the willows, after removal, the
>> courtship was over. I took delivery of more plants...and after their
>> addition...the courtship picked up again. The male made his nest and the
>> female was err...umm..shall we say...showing favor towards him.
>>
>>
> yes they do like having things like plants in the tank, I also heard of
> almond leaves they sell for that purpose, who knows if they really work. did
> you post on the other NG that you have a female and male betta in the 55 gl?
> how do they get along? I have an all female tank w/ ten female bettas, then
> I have males well all over the place in the house. do you have them
> together to breed or just living together and if they are just living
> together did you have any problems with them in the beginning?
> Nik
>
>
The only thing that's been a drag was that the female loves to nip at
his tail (plummage) and he just sits there and lets her nip away.
They were introduced into the new tank together and to date get along
fine. He'll get into his courting mood and flair his gills and
fins...about 6 days into having them I noticed his tailfin having a GAP
missing..not what I'd call evidence of nipping. It then resembled a
twin-tail or split-tail betta. I pulled the silk philledendrin out and
checked them carefully for any sharp edges. I found some and removed them.

I thought it was odd that with a new tank and fish from a good dealer
that I already had a finrot case on my hands. I never posted it because
I just refused to believe it. And the other signs of finrot weren't
there. About the 10th day, I saw them side by side..and she was just
nipping away at his tailfin...he looked as though he was enjoying it.
Then He would chase her around abit..And sometimes She'll chase him
around. Cat and mouse like.

He's blown two (2) bubble nests. The first nest he constructed...She
was laying on her side and the eggs were just popping out like
sand..without his assistance. Then she'd turn and gobble them up..He'd
turn- and I was waiting for the bubble deal...no way..He was eating them
too...I thought-well, juveniles..don't know any better. The female is
still full as a tick. His plummage is all but gone...He looks like they
do in the wild now. Nothing fancy..no fin rot...just a cobalt blue
fish. She's a golden yellow with a dark underside, and her face looks
like its been floured (white face). She's full of personality, comes
right to me anytime I'm near or in the tank. She's eating from my
fingers now. He's still alittle leary but I spend alot of time with
him; looking him over. I read where I couldn't put a male and female
together in the same tank..and sure 'nuff, the dealer told me the same
thing. I bought the male same day I got the tank..the female was a gift
from a neighbor of mine.

SO that's the scoop on my tank. Sorry for getting winded there.
-ED <`))x<

MEAlston · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

I had one of those strip thermom you keep on the side of the tank. I could
never get a grip on how to interpret its color display...was it 78..was it
80..was it neon 79...I tossed it and stuck an accu-rite mercury thermom
inside the tank against the glass. That took care of the guess work. It's
holding at 80`.

These are my first bettas...20 years ago I did the beginner's
thing..mollies..then to oscars and dempsies..piranahs..then finally discus.
I'm getting the' betta-bug' , I can tell. It's crossed my mind several
times lately to just keep it a betta tank...add, I figure, 4-6 more females,
with the hope they'll have the personality my female displays towards me
(sounds warped--lol) I don't want a tank where potential bullies could
wreak havoc on the innocent. I understand a hierarchy will establish with
the addition of extra females...to be honest..I've been cramming so much
fish info, trying to catch up..I'm having trouble keeping all straight in my
head.

Steer my course if you think addding more females would put him in harm's
way. If it does..I can't easily take him back to the dealer...I don't want
to pawn him off on some wreckless owner...ya' know. -ED <`) ))x<

Nikki · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 62

"MEAlston" wrote in message $kg.4683@news02.roc.ny...
>I had one of those strip thermom you keep on the side of the tank. I could
> never get a grip on how to interpret its color display...was it 78..was it
> 80..was it neon 79...I tossed it and stuck an accu-rite mercury thermom
> inside the tank against the glass. That took care of the guess work.
> It's
> holding at 80`.
>
> These are my first bettas...20 years ago I did the beginner's
> thing..mollies..then to oscars and dempsies..piranahs..then finally
> discus.
> I'm getting the' betta-bug' , I can tell. It's crossed my mind several
> times lately to just keep it a betta tank...add, I figure, 4-6 more
> females,
> with the hope they'll have the personality my female displays towards me
> (sounds warped--lol) I don't want a tank where potential bullies could
> wreak havoc on the innocent. I understand a hierarchy will establish with
> the addition of extra females...to be honest..I've been cramming so much
> fish info, trying to catch up..I'm having trouble keeping all straight in
> my
> head.
>
> Steer my course if you think addding more females would put him in harm's
> way. If it does..I can't easily take him back to the dealer...I don't
> want
> to pawn him off on some wreckless owner...ya' know. -ED <`) ))x<
>
>
Now some might disagree with me, but I have seen some people who had female
betta tanks with one male, more then one and your likely to have a problem,
I been tempted to add one of my males and see if my female would deal well
with it but I don't know.
I am getting ready to breed two of my bettas and I am going to try with the
babies to see if I can get a mixed tank, some times you can, they are all
different, just depends, since your male is there now with the female I
would say try it, you don't want to get females bigger then the one you
have, they all will have their place and it will take from 1-3 days for them
to work it out, mine did it in about three hours, my big red girl came out
on top, now if I took her out there would be fighting once again, if you
change the tank around they will fight, but once they get it worked out it
is so neat to see how they interact with one another. instead of buying new
ones why don't you try breeding your two and keep the females from the fry,
they usually get a long well. I been living bettas for a while now, I have
17 of them male / female, and they are so neat to watch. Just make sure
either way when you add them they have hiding places, when I add a plant
they fight over who gets it...girls go figure
Nikki

Nikki · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 62

"MEAlston" wrote in message
news:%4t2g.7937$tT.4954@news01.roc.ny...
> Well..if you could manage it...I'd spend a weekend with just that goal on
> the adjenda..
> Saturday AM -Brew the coffee up...grab some magazines or cds..an easy
> chair
> with an end table..and I'd park right in front of the tank (well..) and
> study the introductions between the male and the fem.group. (with a net
> close by for good measure)
>
> Maybe around bedtime..I would find a plexiglass divider for the night.
> Sunday AM -Then I'd do the same thing, taking the divider out and keeping
> the net close at hand.
>
> I can't imagine coming back as a betta and being crammed into a brandy
> snifter all my days. Nature knows.. and nature always finds a way.
>
>
Yeah i might do that....i can see all my girls ganging up on him, i really
like all my boys, i have some who are just plain old mean, wont even let a
snail in their tank, and some who would not care what was in the tank, so i
will see who gets the task of entertaining all those girls, i was thinking
the nicest male i have but on the other hand with those girls he might have
to be able to fend for him self.
Nik

MEAlston · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 7

Well..if you could manage it...I'd spend a weekend with just that goal on
the adjenda..
Saturday AM -Brew the coffee up...grab some magazines or cds..an easy chair
with an end table..and I'd park right in front of the tank (well..) and
study the introductions between the male and the fem.group. (with a net
close by for good measure)

Maybe around bedtime..I would find a plexiglass divider for the night.
Sunday AM -Then I'd do the same thing, taking the divider out and keeping
the net close at hand.

I can't imagine coming back as a betta and being crammed into a brandy
snifter all my days. Nature knows.. and nature always finds a way.

Miss Anne Thrope · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 13

Dim the lights.

Put on some Luther Vandross (Fat Luther, not skinny Luther).

Twist up a dovetail, and maybe a nice snifter of brandy.

You betta, you betta, you bet.

MEAlston · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

"Miss Anne Thrope" wrote in message@storefull-3153.bay.webtv.net...
> Dim the lights.
>
> Put on some Luther Vandross (Fat Luther, not skinny Luther).
>
> Twist up a dovetail, and maybe a nice snifter of brandy.
>
> You betta, you betta, you bet.
>
Or in my case...Neil Young & Company. And if ya' wanna get really
off-course...put on some Glenn Miller..Boop Boop didum Dotton
Whatom....Choo!