Betta acting weird.....?

Question

Okay, My Female Betta, Lavagirl, is acting weird
I put her in a tank with my blue male betta,Sharkboy, cause I thought they were ready to mate and while sharkboy was just in one side swimming around while lavagirl was going crazy on the other side like swimming in zigzagz and darting everywhere but the weird part was sharkboy was showing no threat , staying right there watching her.
I took her out already.

and Does anyone have awesome tips to help me make lavagirl want to mate???

is Sharkboy causeing any of this weirdness???

should i put her back???

Answer 1

I have been breeding bettas for years and years and this does happen from time to time, especially if it's their first time to spawn.

I wouldn't put her back right away. One thing to watch for other that the vertical stripes and egg spot copperhead mentioned is for the male to actually have a bubble nest built. In basic terms, that shows her that he is interested, ready and able to breed. That helps get her in the mood.

Her strange behavior was probably due to being moved into the tank more than him being here. Next time as long as he isn't hurting her, leave her with him.

Like copperhead said, keep the water level low, 5" or less is good and warm the water a bit. Mid 80's will often encourage them to breed.

Just hang in there and stick with it, they will get around to it one of these tries, you just have to out last them :)

If I can help any more feel free to email me.

MM

Answer 2

The problem is you are slowly killing your fish! Yours is the weaker one, so it is exhibiting symptoms sooner, but they will both die prematurely, and pretty soon. I wouldn't keep a snail in a half gallon tank, let alone two Bettas! If you want to keep them in a divided tank, get a 10 gallon, or at the very least a 5 gallon, and fit it with a divider. Bettas do best in 5 gallon tanks, but can manage in 2.5 gallon tanks. Which ever you choose, it must be heated and have a gentle filter. If the water doesn't freely flow through the divider, put a heater and filter on each side. If the divider is clear, put some tall (real or silk) plants along it so they don't have to stare at each other all the time. Do not use plastic plants in Betta tanks! Make sure the water level is low enough that they can't jump from one side to the other. Bettas are amazing jumpers! If you do this and perform weekly water changes of 20-25%, your Bettas will live long, healthy lives. A Betta can live 5 years or more if kept in good conditions. Don't do this and Blondie probably won't live to see Christmas, and the other one will be gone before spring! I can practically guarantee it! Get some books and/or visit some online forums about Bettas. and aquarium keeping. You apparently have a lot to learn about these wonderful fish.

Answer 3

I would try introducing her again - but this time try the following:

The water level should be low if you want them to spawn, so draw the water down to a few inches if you haven't already.

Put lavagirl in a large, clean jar with enough water that it doesn't float and add it inside the tank. This will let them see each other, but not interact.

When you see vertical stripes (http://www.flippersandfins.net/Images/BettaFAQMGFemale.jpg ) or an egg spot (see white spot on underside near front: http://flippersandfins.net/Images/BettaFemaleDoubleTail.jpg ) on the female, you should add her into the tank with the male. See this website for more breeding details: http://www.bettatalk.com/

The first time you put her in the tank, she was just exploring the new environment - and he was probably just surprised by all the action.

Answer 4

I like the name of your betta fish. I think that you need to have a liitle more patient about breeding. I think you should put a divider in you tank so the male betta can see the female. Then, once every week try introducing her to the male to mate.

Answer 5

lavagirl is probably excited that she's with a male. just leave her be in there and her hormones will get going. THEN take her out until you see her stomach bulge a bit, then put her back in with the male. the baby bettas will then be born.

Answer 6

betta fish want there space they do not like being in the same tank I had a bette fish and 8 more fish I did not put them in the same tank so if I were you I would separate them or else they will start to fight

Answer 7

They are ready.
You can find several good fish forums and some dedicated to bettas right here:
http://www.aquarank.com/

Answer 8

Hehe. Sounds like she was showing off for him. I'd put her back in if there's no aggression.