Breeding Q

[red_fish_blue_fish]

Okay, I have a ten set up with cover for the female, a foam cup in the corner the male has made his nest in, a heater so the temp stays at about 80 degrees F, Plastic wrap covering the top to keep humidity in...The female is in a vase in the middle of the ten, and the male is dancing around her...back and forth from the bubble nest to her..bubble nest..her..you get the idea. So my question is do you think it is safe to release the female? Okay, and I am kind of unclear what to do after that. After they do there little dance with twisting and such in the water around eachother, she releases her eggs, he fertilizes them and places them in his bubble nest, what do I do after that? This is my first attempt. Someone posted a website up here for me before, I thought I listed in in my favorites...guess not. it seems to be missing.

EDIT
..nevermind, I found it..DUH!

Do have one Q though...how big does the female have to be..my girl is a tiney one, is that okay?

 

[Sorrell]

I'd leave her in the vase for about 24hrs and then let her go

You have a few options regarding post spawn and there are pros and cons to each.

1. Take both parents out immediately. In this case you would need to add a fungus medication since many of the fry won't be able to remain in the nest. You'll also want a water level of about 2-3 inches to help them make it back to the surface. You will have a low survival rate with this spawn.

2. Move Dad after the babies are born. This can be done as soon as they hatch up to free swimming. He may do a great job or he may eat every last one. This is a toss up, a definite risk.

3. Leave Dad for a extended period. Same thing, he may do great or he may eat everyone. The theory on this is that dad will cull the weaker babies so you will most likely have a smaller spawn even in the best outcome. If left long enough dad will eventually spawn with the dominant female.


These of course are average results, but as many of us know, bettas are always unpredictable and all rules can be thrown out the window if they so desire. You have to do what you feel best about. Many, many spawns fail at many stages and you learn with each one.

 

[Sorrell]

Lol, I started typing that, left, and then returned to finish posting so I missed your supsequent replies

How much smaller is she? They can spawn with a substantial size difference, but you'll want to watch closely for her safety, those boys pack quite a bite

 

[red_fish_blue_fish]

Well, she has been in the vase there for about 3 days. She is about half an inch long. My other female is larger..but my male doesn't like her as much. I will try to post pics of her tomorrow evening. Keep an eye out.

By the way, thanks for the advise!