Getting a betta fish is one of the most popular starter fish for new aquarium owners. Female betta fish are beautiful and come in an array of colors that make them perfect for home aquariums. Betta fish are also known as Siamese fighting fish because they’re known for their aggressive nature, specifically when it comes to mating. These feisty little fighters are territorial and will fight to the death if placed together in the same tank. When you bring home your female beta fish, be sure to check it for signs that it’s ready to mate. If your female has also been introduced into its new environment at the right time of year, there’s a good chance she’ll become pregnant with eggs and give birth after a few weeks. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your female betta fish happy and healthy while she’s pregnant or fat with eggs
What Should I Look For When My Betta Is Pregnant?
Female bettas are ready to mate when the area behind their gills (the area where the fish’s fins meet her head) begins to swell. Additionally, you may notice that she’s become more aggressive, constantly swimming around the tank, and trying to dart out of the water. If she’s facing another fish in the tank, she may also start swimming in circles and zig zags, just like a Siamese fighting fish would do.
If your betta fish is pregnant, you should check her daily. Females carry their eggs underneath their gills and once they hatch, the fry swims up to the gills to stay until they’re ready to be released into the tank.
What Should I Do If My Betta Fish Is Pregnant Or Fat?
When your female is ready to be impregnated and has chosen a male to mate with, you need to separate them immediately. The male will not fight her because he’s already happily agreeing to impregnate her, but she will still fight to the death with any other female betta that she’s placed within the same tank.
If your female betta gets fat from eating too much, or from eating too much protein, you need to make a change. The best thing you can do is feed her less. If you feed her too little, she won’t survive but if you feed her the right amount, she’ll be fine. If you feed her too much and her belly swells, you need to remove the excess fat.
How Can I Tell If My Female Betta Is Pregnant Or Just Fat?
If your female is pregnant, you should be able to feel the eggs underneath her gills. They’ll feel kind of like tiny, hard grains of sand. If your betta’s belly is swollen and looks like she’s just eating too much, the only way to find out what’s going on inside her is to take her to a vet.
What To Do If Your Female Betta Gets Sick When She’s Pregnant Or Fat?
The best thing you can do if your female betta gets sick while she’s pregnant or fat is to take her to a vet. If you’re not comfortable handling a pregnant fish and performing water changes, adding new food to your tank and treating a sick fish, it’s best to find a local aquarium store or betta fish breeder that will be able to take care of your fish and fry until they’re released into your tank.
Conclusion
Keeping a betta fish is easy, but keeping a pregnant betta fish is a bit trickier, especially because bettas are such delicate fish. If you follow these tips for keeping your female betta fish happy and healthy, you’ll be able to enjoy watching your fish grow, take care of her eggs, and welcome her fry into your home aquarium once they hatch.
