Breeding!!!

[BeccaBlain]

I am SO exited. JR has consented to let me start breeding in the Fall. That means I can start now in getting everything I need and plan accordingly! I'm so excited.

And a Betta breeder in Montreal was able to tell me what allowed him to have very successful fry.

He A: did NOT remove the male. He kept the tank very heavily planted with plants, rocks, etc.

B: (the Important point!) the air temperature has to be the EXACT temperature of the water. Apparently, if the temperature is different, when they develop their labrinth organ, they die from the change in temperature of air.

Just a tip I thought I'd share.

*bounces with excitement*

Becca

 

[jacblades]

so glad youre being responsible about it and waiting a while. so many people jump right into it having hardly any idea what they are doing and end up eventually killing the fish for their selfish desire.
yay for responsibility!!

 

[kgrehm]

Happy for you like always. Good luck and all that good stuff. Also like you were saying about the temp. thats why they say to put saran wrap or a towel or so over the tank to keep it humid so their organs will work when they develop.

 

[shrks1fan]

Question...why would you NOT remove the father after the fry are free swimming? He does nothing for them at that point, so you're only risking him eating the fry. Or do you mean, don't remove him after the spawn but DO remove him once the fry are free swimming...I'm confused.

And yes, it's very important that the air space in the tank be humid to protect their little growing labrynths

Linda
http/www.pet-emporium.com
http/www.cooking-fanatics.com

 

[BeccaBlain]

I was speaking with someone who had a lot of experience breeding betta, had he had healthy successful fry without removing the father. I'll be speaking with him further on the technique, but my initial goal is to breed out healthier, more durable Betta.

So, with a properly set up aquarium (more set up like a natural environment than a breeding tank) I should be able to accomplish this through natural selection.

Once I have successful fry and see what happens after the first fry hatch, etc, I will begin to see the differences on the health of the fry when the father is removed, and when he is not removed.

I have also read other experiences from a few Betta breeders that support that this is entirely possible and it has been done successfully, so with the knowledge it can be done (and the betta grew faster and healthier) its worth a try.

Especially considering hearing how "weak" the N. American strains are compared to the thailand strains.

Becca

 

[shrks1fan]

I'm not saying it can't work, I just can't figure out why fry would be healthier...it's not like the father brings them food, or protects them from anything (no other fish or birds or whatever to make prey of them), so I'm just curious how it helps them for my own knowledge and breeding program. (always trying to learn).

Linda
http/www.pet-emporium.com
http/www.cooking-fanatics.com

 

[BeccaBlain]

Hi Linda:

I view it this way: Natural selection. The important part of a breeding program is to make certain that you breed strong fish to other strong fish.

I'm after a very very durable betta. A lot of breeders tend to give them perfect environments, so if something gets in the tank, the bettas chances of survival are poor.

My little lady (brand new, in her own section) is an import from Singapore, chosen because of her higher level of durability. (Her coloration is a bonus as well)

I'm not certain what her tail type is.. its um.. odd. Long, for a female as well (but several people in the store looked her over, and confirmed she was indeed a little lady.)

Anyway, I'll probably start with her and Pearl, since they are both tougher betta. (And granted they will breed in 2 months. If not, I'll just pick another pair.)

I'm getting another female, gold, tomorrow. Her and Emerald will be tank mates in about 8-10 gallons. The betta owner/breeder in the store suggested this combination for the ladies as long as I provided heavy planting.

This'll be fun I'll be monitoring their eating and temperments before I breed. I won't breed moe because he is veiltail, and because he is extremely aggressive. Pearl will be bred because hes combtail, with a much less aggressive temperment.

So far, I'm extremely happy with my cutie girl. Shes extremely pretty.

Becca