Why isn't my betta fish taking care of his fry?

Question

My betta eggs just hatched last night and for some reason the male isn't taking care of the fry. I read that he's supposed to help the babies whenever they fall to the ground and he'll help them back up but he's not doin' that. He's just sitting there... but, he's also constipated so is that why he's not taking care of them? Also, since he's not helping the babies back up, does that mean that they're gonna die? I already have quite a few that are just laying there at the bottom not doing anything. Are they dead? Please help!! Thanks

Answer 1

Sometimes male bettas just don't get it right the first few times for some unknown reason. Of course, if he's sick or constipated, that would probably be part of the answer as well.

Be sure the water level in the breeding tank is low, in this case I would suggest 3-4" deep. Some of the fry my not properly develop, but most should be ok even without the male doing his job.

Another suggestion I can make is to stay away from the tank as much as possible. I know you want to watch and see what is happening with your fry, but your being there can distract the male from tending the fry and make him want to defend the nest from you. Best if you quitely slip in every few hours to check on them for just a few minutes. The less activity around the tank the better.

MM

Answer 2

Basically, if you are so lazy you can not search for an answer that is as general as this, you should not breed. There are many websites that tell you all the basics and even some details. If you have a specific question you can't find on a website, then you ask here. To take care of fry you need to be able to take care of the parents. Can you recognize it when a Betta adult is sick, unhappy, etc? Do you know what to look for? Do you have the time and money to take care of fry? You MUST feed them twice every day, and look very closely for any signs of problems. You must keep the tank clean as well. To get proper equipment you'll certainly pass the $100 mark by far. And yes, even if you already have a spawning pair and tank. If you are going to have to refer to yahoo every single step of the way and for every problem, you are in not position to be breeding Betta and it's aggravating if you choose to do so anyways. Betta fish are not a game or toy, they are living and not just any one can breed them with success. Don't think that just because they are "fish" and "just swim all day" or whatever other crap most typical people think they should be easy to breed or take care of, or raise. It is not easy money, it is not something to do when you're bored. It is a job and a responsibility. Unless you are well prepared, devoted, and educated you will probably kill your fry. So just don't even bother.

Answer 3

I used to have a betta fish and when it had babies it acted the same way i'm not sure why though. I read the same thing but keep trying!

Answer 4

yes they are dead. i'm sorry but when the fry are born they are born with out gills so the have so stay at the top to breath i dont know why your betta fish isnt taking care of them like hes supposed to sorry but thats all i know

Answer 5

I will have to agree with MM. Have you noticed when a fish is constipated how hard it is for them to swim? Good luck, I hope you have some keepers!

Answer 6

Some do some don't. get him out before he starts eating them. Check out www.bettatalk.com for more info. Good Luck!! ><>:)~

Answer 7

uhhh, how do all of you know when you fish are constipated?

Answer 8

human are like animal and vis versa. Not all parents will take care of their kids. period