Breeding betta fish is an exciting endeavor, but the real challenge lies in successfully raising the fry. These delicate creatures demand a meticulously controlled environment and a specialized diet at each growth stage. Initially, their diet consists of minuscule fare, evolving as they grow. With fry numbers ranging from 50 to over 300, food provisions must be abundant. Pristine water quality and live food are essential for newly hatched fry. As young males develop territorial behavior, readiness to transfer them to new containers is crucial. In this discussion, we’ll delve deeper into these vital aspects of betta fry rearing.
Betta fry grow-out tank setup
There are different methods for raising Betta fry. Some breeders will transfer them immediately into a new tank that is designed specifically for raising them. Other breeders will keep them in the breeding tank for about the first 3-4 weeks before moving them into a grow-out tank. No matter what method you use, there are some basics that are needed for all betta fry grow-out tanks.
The ideal grow-out tank is 20 gallons or more.
Keep the temperature in the mid to high-80s with a heater.
The tank needs a filter to help oxygenate the water and help keep the water clean.
Tank lighting is needed to grow fry, but it can be either standard aquarium lighting or natural daylight.
A tank cover for the aquarium is a good idea to keep the fry from inadvertently jumping out, as well as anything from falling into the tank.
When doing water changes, regular gravel siphons will pull too much water quickly. So, siphoning with either a turkey baster or flexible tubing like an airline hose works best.
Live plants are not absolutely necessary but they are beneficial. They provide infusoria, which is a natural food source for very young fry, and they are also thought to help promote growth in the fry.
Best Betta fry foods – Raising Betta Fry
Betta fry has the instinct to feed on anything that moves and is smaller than them. However, they won’t eat anything dry like flakes or even powders, so they will need live foods. Infusoria and tiny free-swimming nematodes such as VinegarEels, Microworms, Banana Worms, and Walter Worms, as well as baby Brine Shrimp, Daphnia, Fairy Shrimp, and Grindal Worms, are all great for fry. Alive food cultures are not always readily available in fish stores, but can often be specially ordered or purchased online. It’s crucial to obtain cultures before starting the breeding process.
Once your Betta Splendens spawn, you’ll want to start growing cultures to have them available as the betta fry becomes free swimming. Most cultures like dark areas and they can be smelly, so you may want to store them safely.
Feeding a Betta fry
Newly hatched fry initially cluster near the tank’s top, feeding from their egg sacs; they don’t require immediate feeding. Once most are free-swimming (typically within days), they’re ready for their first feeding. Some become free-swimming quickly, while others stay in a clump, where live plants with infusoria can assist.
It’s best to provide several small daily feedings, preventing food waste and water contamination. Feeding them 3 to 4 small meals daily is optimal.
For the initial three days, offer minuscule foods like infusoria and tiny nematodes (e.g., Vinegar Eels, Microworms, Banana Worms, and Walter Worms).
After three days, they’re ready for baby brine shrimp.
From one week onwards, continue with baby brine shrimp and introduce finely grated frozen foods like bloodworms and Daphnia.
Around 4-5 weeks, start offering brine shrimp and live blackworms, along with options like Grindal Worms. These foods can also be fed to adult betta fish.
At about 8-9 weeks, as the fry matures, continue with live brine shrimp and bloodworms, adding frozen foods. You can also introduce dry foods at this point.
As they grow and transition to dry food, reduce feedings; once or twice a day is sufficient when they are fully grown.
Betta fry tank maintenance – Raising Betta Fry
Betta fries are very susceptible to unstable tank conditions, which include the quality of the water and the temperature. The right water quality is critical for a successful spawn, but also for the health of the fry and to boost rapid growth. A primary part of daily maintenance activity is monitoring the water temperature and changing the water. The ideal pH is between 7-7.2 but if you have a bit lower or higher, it’s okay to just leave it alone.
Maintaining an optimal water temperature is vital for the fry’s survival, ideally at 85-88 degrees. Keep the aquarium heater stable through regular checks, as betta fry are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
To ensure water quality, begin with the first water change at two weeks old, then continue regular changes. Some breeders recommend 25% changes twice a week, while daily small changes suffice. In nature, larger fry release Growth Inhibiting Hormones, potentially stunting others’ growth. Frequent water changes help mitigate this.
For gentle water management, use a turkey baster or flexible tubing instead of strong gravel siphons that may harm tiny fry. To control water flow, consider adding a slender stick, like a chopstick, to the tubing’s end.
Separate the fry
At about 8-9 weeks of age, the fry will begin to show its colors. An occasional batch may start coloring as early as 4 weeks of age, but this is unusual. Males will start to assert their nippy behavior at this stage. When this happens they must be separated into their tanks or containers, a process known as “jarring.”
Jarring Betta Fry
Each male will need his own home which can be a jar, bottle, cup, or another container. Females can also be moved into jars, but if there’s not enough space for that they can be kept together in a tank. However, there is a risk that larger fish will eat their smaller siblings.
Maintaining the jars
Maintaining jars can be a big job, depending on how many containers you have. Place the jars in a large tub of water and keep a single heater in the tub to maintain the temperature. Water changes will still be needed for each jar.
Once your fry is grown out and has obtained its color, it will be ready to trade or sell. You may be able to find homes for them through friends or a local pet store that is willing to take them or trade for them. Show-quality Betta fish can be shared with other breeders and even sold to Betta lovers online. The entire process of breeding Betta splendens is fun and ultimately very rewarding!
I hope you find this topic helpful in growing your betta fish fry. If you would like to know more about betta fish breeding and care, click the next article in this series.
