Are my female Bettas trying to mate?

[Dopatri]

Hey! This is a bit of an unusual question. But I recently bought two young female betta fish. I already have two existing Betta females in the tank, fully grown. These new bettas I bought look to be younger as they are smaller in size. However I’ve noticed both of my new females on different occasions, staying near to one of my adult Bettas, who is the biggest one in the tank, and doing some sort of sideways hovering over the top of her. Almost like trying to wrap their body around her. There is never any reaction from the big Betta, she just either stays put or peacefully swims away. I’m no breeding expert, but to me, it looks like they are confusing her for a male betta? Like I said she’s the largest Betta in the tank so I’m thinking they’re mistaking her for a male? There is no fighting or anything and they are all completely peaceful with each other but I’m just curious. What do you think?

 

[FloridaChick]

Hey! This is a bit unusual question. But I recently bought two young female betta fish. I already have two existing Betta females in the tank, fully grown. These new bettas I bought look to be younger as they are smaller in size. However I’ve noticed both of my new females on different occasions, staying near to one of my adult Bettas, who is the biggest one in the tank, and doing some sort of sideways hovering over the top of her. Almost like trying to wrap their body around her. There is never any reaction from the big Betta, she just either stays put or peacefully swims away. I’m no breeding expert, but to me, it looks like they are confusing her for a male betta? Like I said she’s the largest Betta in the tank so I’m thinking they’re mistaking her for a male? There is no fighting or anything and they are all completely peaceful with each other but I’m just curious. What do you think?

Very strange ?

 

[FloridaChick]

Now, now........ Don't start coming to conclusions till you read the writing on the wall. And if the writing says, "Lezbe Friends" then YEP....... They ARE trying to mate! Remember.... Don't be a hater!

?? Maybe one is transitioning!

 

[Dopatri]

Now, now........ Don't start jumping to conclusions till you read the writing on the wall. And if the writing says, "Lezbe Friends" then YEP....... They ARE trying to mate! Remember.... Don't be a hater!

Haha! I’ll be sure to keep my eye on them... for any more lesbian-type behaviour ??

 

[Dopatri]

?? Maybe one is transitioning!

Is it something I put in the water?! ?

 

[FloridaChick]

Haha! I’ll be sure to keep my eye on them... for any more lesbian-type behaviour ??

Ruff Roh ???

 

[PheonixKingZ]

If they are both young, one may be a female and one may be a male. They are hard to sex until they are at least 2 months old.

The two female (if they are indeed female) are not trying breed.

 

[Fishmanic]

Ok people, let's get off the conjectures and insinuations about sexuality. This is a family friendly forum. Play nice, please.

 

[Dopatri]

If they are both young, one may be a female and one may be a male. They are hard to sex until they are at least 2 months old.

The two female (if they are indeed female) are not trying breed.

I’ll have to take a close look at them and see if I can see any signs that will help me determine the sexes. I would say they are both about 1.5 inches long, would you say that is about the size of Bettas under two months old, or above? Or is it different for every Betta?

 

[Dopatri]

Ok people, let's get off the conjectures and insinuations about sexuality. This is a family friendly forum. Play nice, please.

Apologies! Just trying to have some light hearted fun. Meant no offence by it.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

I’ll have to take a close look at them and see if I can see any signs that will help me determine the sexes. I would say they are both about 1.5 inches long, would you say that is about the size of Bettas under two months old, or above? Or is it different for every Betta?

If they are 1.5 inches long, they are most likely around the age of 9 weeks, (a little over 2 months) although it’s hard to tell for sure.

Bettas usually start to mature sexually at the age of 3 months (approximately 12 weeks). That is when you will start to notice behavioral differences between the Betta and the other fish.

Have you noticed any aggression? Or just the strange behavior?

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You can upload a video of the behavior, via YouTube. After you have the video made, copy paste the link here. (Trying to upload a video via the forum will not work)

 

[Fishmanic]

No problem. You may continue topic of discussion.

 

[Seamus]

Apologies! Just trying to have some light hearted fun. Meant no offence by it.

No kidding........

 

[Dopatri]

No kidding........

?

 

[I Like Rare Fish]

?‍‍?‍?. They are teenagers; they will have babies with anyone!