Q: I just tried to breed my first pair. The male built this huge bubble nest then I let the female out. They did there thing then ate the eggs. Is this normal on the first spawn? Should I try again? How long should I wait or should I try another male with that female and if so how long before she can spawn again?

Question submitted by Tim, Greeley - Colorado

A: So many questions, so little time, how can I snooze? :))

OK let me roll up my breeder's sleeves now and just say it like it is:

BREEDING BETTAS CAN BE CHALLENGING.

Repeat after me:

I SHALL NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED. I SHALL TRY AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND ...

You get the picture :). You shall repeat this Betta Breeder's mantra daily or whenever necessary. And necessary often it will be. Betta breeding difficult is. (me, Yoda, says). LOL.

Here is what you will now do:

  • try this pair again two more times. Males sometimes do eat the eggs the first time because they haven't figured out (just yet) what they are supposed to do. And since they are males, it might take a while LOL ;). hehehehehehe... Oftentimes by the second spawn the male gets it (finally) and starts doing his job. So do not give up on him yet.  
  • make sure to condition your fish well before trying again. By this I mean make sure to feed very good foods (frozen bloodworms, Frozen Mysis shrimp). Stay away from live foods (carry too many diseases). Add vitamins to your water (fish vitamins, of course, available at your LFS)
  • wait about 3 weeks before each attempt.
  • if male eats the eggs two more times, then try another male with the same female. All above guidelines still apply.

   Help you all above I hope will. :)