1. Prepare
Use a covered 5–10 gallon spawning aquarium at 79–81°F with 4–6 inches of water, a gentle seasoned sponge filter, a nest anchor, and hiding places.
Betta Breeding Guide
Plan the parents, spawning tank, and fry care before breeding.
Bubble-nesting Betta splendens require careful conditioning, constant supervision during introduction, tiny live fry foods, and room to safely grow and separate the young.
Responsible Preparation
Be ready for every stage before introducing the pair.
Breed only healthy fish. Have established filtration, recovery tanks, first foods, a grow-out aquarium, and a plan for potentially dozens or hundreds of juveniles.
2. Condition
Keep the pair separated for 10–14 days while feeding varied, high-quality foods. Start multiple fry-food cultures before spawning.
3. Introduce & Spawn
Place the female in a clear chimney first. Release her only after the pair shows readiness, watch constantly, and remove her when spawning ends.
4. Eggs & Fry
Eggs commonly hatch in about 24–48 hours. Remove the male once fry are free-swimming and begin appropriately tiny live foods.
5. Grow Out
Use a larger cycled grow-out aquarium, maintain warm clean water, feed tiny meals, and separate juveniles when aggression begins.
Stop When Unsafe
Separate the adults immediately for relentless chasing, serious fin damage, exhaustion, or an inability to retreat and rest.
Gigi's quick rule: Warm lid · Clean water · Tiny meals · Gentle changes. Record the parents, dates, foods, growth, losses, and placement of every spawn.
Full betta breeding poster
Save or share this quick-reference guide before setting up a breeding pair.
