The incubation process and key considerations for betta eggs are as follows:
I. Incubation Cycle
The incubation time of betta eggs typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours, and it is significantly affected by water temperature:
Water Temperature 26-28°C: The incubation time is approximately 24-36 hours, which is an ideal temperature range.
Water Temperature Above 30°C: The incubation speed accelerates, and it may be shortened to within 24 hours.
Water Temperature Below 24°C: The incubation time prolongs, and may even exceed 48 hours.
Criteria for Determining Successful Incubation:
Observe the eggs under the bubble nest. If the fry have hatched, with their heads pointing upward and tails downward hanging under the bubble nest, and you can see them wiggling their tails to swim (similar to "darting" movements), it indicates that incubation is basically complete.
If the eggs still haven't hatched after more than 3 days, and show signs of whitening or mold, these eggs are unfertilized and need to be promptly removed to prevent water quality deterioration.
II. Requirements for the Incubation Environment
Water Quality
Maintain clean water and prevent excessive levels of harmful substances such as ammonia nitrogen and nitrite.
Use original tank water for incubation to reduce the impact of water quality fluctuations on the eggs.
No filtration is needed during incubation, but partial water changes should be performed regularly (e.g., changing 1/3 of the water daily) to maintain stable water quality.
Water Temperature
The optimal incubation water temperature is 26-28°C, which can be regulated using a heater or constant-temperature equipment.
The fluctuation of water temperature should be controlled within ±1°C to avoid affecting the incubation success rate.
Dissolved Oxygen
The bubble nest structure can provide a certain amount of dissolved oxygen. However, if the incubation environment is closed or there is a large number of eggs, oxygenation equipment (such as an air pump) is required to supplement oxygen.
Avoid strong water flow that may disperse the bubble nest and affect the aggregation and incubation of the eggs.
Lighting
No strong light is needed; moderate natural light or LED lights are sufficient.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae blooms or sudden increases in water temperature.
III. Role and Behavior of Male Bettas
Nest Building and Egg Protection
Male bettas will blow bubbles to build a nest before spawning, and gather the eggs under the bubble nest.
During incubation, male bettas will constantly flip the eggs to ensure even fertilization and remove unfertilized dead eggs (to prevent mold and water pollution).
Aggressive Behavior
During the egg-protecting period, male bettas may show aggression towards objects approaching the bubble nest (including other fish or human fingers), such as flaring their gills to threaten.
If the male betta is overly aggressive or attacks the female betta, it needs to be isolated in a timely manner to avoid injury.
Post-Incubation Management
After the fry hatch, the male betta will continue to protect them, picking up the fry that fall out of the nest with its mouth and putting them back.
Once the fry can swim horizontally (commonly known as "free-swimming"), the male betta must be promptly removed to prevent it from preying on the fry due to hunger.
IV. Initial Management After Incubation
Feeding
No feeding is required for the first 3 days after the fry hatch, as they absorb nutrients from their yolk sacs.
After 3 days, infusoria, "Red Heart A" brine shrimp, or egg yolk water can be fed as the initial food. Feed 4-6 times a day, and the amount for each feeding should be enough for the fry to finish within 5-8 minutes.
Water Quality Maintenance
Strengthen water quality management after incubation, change water regularly (e.g., 1/3 of the water daily), and add a sponge filter to enhance the vitality of nitrifying bacteria colonies.
Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality deterioration, and promptly clean up residual feed and feces.
Tank Separation and Selection
When the fry grow to an average length of 1 cm, they can be selected and separated into different tanks according to their individual development size. Raising the fry in a larger tank is beneficial for maintaining water quality and improving the survival rate.