The breeding process of betta fish differs from that of mammals. Their "pregnancy" actually refers to the stage where eggs develop inside the female's body, and the specific duration varies depending on the breed and breeding method:
1. Key Timing in the Breeding Cycle
From Pairing to Spawning: After successful pairing, female bettas typically spawn within 1-2 days; they will not spawn without mating. Male bettas assist in spawning through dancing and physical contact, and the entire process takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Egg Hatching: Fertilized eggs hatch within 24-36 hours, and male bettas will guard the fry until they are able to swim freely (about 2-3 days).
2. Sexual Maturity and Breeding Interval
Age of Sexual Maturity: Betta fish reach sexual maturity between 4-8 months of age. It is recommended to breed them after 6 months of age to increase the success rate.
Breeding Frequency: Female bettas can spawn once a week, but frequent breeding (e.g., 10-20 times a year) can damage their health. An interval of 20 days to 1 month is recommended.
3. Notes
Environmental Requirements: The water temperature should be stably maintained between 22-24℃, the ammonia nitrogen level in the water should be <0.2ppm, and the pH value should be 6.8-7.5.
Breeding Signals: When a female betta's abdomen swells, develops black vertical stripes, or shows white egg tips, it indicates that she is about to spawn.
4. Common Misconceptions
Betta fish do not experience "pregnancy" in the traditional sense; their eggs require external fertilization by the male. If a female betta's abdomen is swollen but there has been no mating, it may be due to overfeeding or dropsy.