Step-by-step
Step 1: Condition pair separatelyFeed live or frozen bloodworms + brine shrimp 2x daily for 1-2 weeks. Female should show vertical "breeding bars". Male flares + builds practice bubbles.
Step 2: Set up breeding tank10g tank, 5-6 inches of water (shallow), Indian almond leaves for tannins, floating plants for nest anchoring, heater at 80-82°F. NO filter or bare sponge filter only.
Step 3: Introduce visually firstPlace female in a chimney (clear container floating in tank). Male sees her and starts building bubble nest. Maintain 24-48 hours.
Step 4: Release femaleOnce male's nest is built and female is plump with eggs, release her. Initial chase + nipping is normal. Watch closely - if female is severely beaten, remove.
Step 5: Spawning embracePair wraps in "embrace" - male wraps body around female. She releases eggs while in embrace; male catches and places them in nest.
Step 6: Remove femaleAfter eggs are released, REMOVE female immediately - male will defend nest aggressively. Treat female back to recovery tank with hideouts.
Step 7: Male tends nest 1-3 daysMale catches falling eggs, repairs nest. Eggs hatch in 24-36 hours. Larvae stay in nest for 2-3 more days as they absorb yolk sac.
Step 8: Remove male after free-swimOnce larvae swim horizontally (not just hanging from nest), remove the male. He may eat fry once they leave the nest.
Step 9: Feed infusoria days 0-7First food: infusoria from a long-running culture, OR vinegar eels, OR microworms. Feed 4-6x daily.
Step 10: Baby brine + crushed flake days 7-30Day 7: switch to baby brine shrimp. Day 14: introduce crushed flake. By day 30: feeding standard betta food.
Step 11: Jar individuals at 8-12 weeksYoung males get aggressive at 8-12 weeks. Separate into individual jars or grow-out tanks. Females can grow out together.