If you have a pregnant betta fish giving birth in your home, then you’ve probably heard of their striking ability to spawn hundreds of tiny offspring. This is because the male Betta fish has a special organ called the spermaceti organ that enables it to court female Bettas and impregnate them. However, before you get too excited, know that not all adult Bettas are capable of breeding. In fact, there are four specific criteria to look out for if you want to know whether or not your Betta is pregnant. Here we explain how to tell the difference between whether your Betta is pregnant or just fat so that you can take the right steps towards helping her get back into shape.
Bettas Are Pregnant If…
Male Betta fish are able to reproduce through what is called the “virgin birth” method of reproduction. They are able to fertilize a female’s eggs with their own sperm. However, to be able to do this, the male must be in the “pregnancy” stage of his reproductive cycle; for the female, this is the time when she is preparing to produce eggs, also known as ova. Betta fish can have as few as one or as many as several hundred eggs, which they deposit in clusters into a protective yet shallow layer of water. After the eggs have been released, they will hatch in between three and five days and the fry will immediately start eating infusoria, which are microscopic organisms that provide the nutrients that the fry need to survive.
She Shows Signs of Being Fertile
If your Betta is showing some of the signs that indicate she is in the “pregnancy” stage, then you should be aware that she could “be fertile.” These signs can include swollen eyes, swollen abdomen, and a drooping abdomen. It is especially important that you pay attention to your Betta’s eyes, as a swollen or bulging eye could indicate that she is “fertile.” It is also important to note that these signs do not necessarily mean that your Betta is actually pregnant. While the swollen eyes and swollen abdomen are characteristics that are usually associated with being pregnant, they can also be signs of other conditions such as a virus or a bacterial infection.
She is Maintaining Her Swimming Ability
You may notice that your Betta is not as active as she used to be. This could be a result of her decreased activity level as she tries to lose weight as part of her “pregnancy” diet. On the other hand, it could also be a sign that she is pregnant. If your Betta is not as active as usual and she seems to be maintaining her swimming ability, you should be aware that she could be pregnant. Betta fish are known to have a preference for staying in still water at the bottom of the tank, where they are able to lay their eggs in a safe, non-migratory manner. This is why it is especially important to make sure that your Betta is not just maintaining her swimming ability, but actually losing weight as part of a pregnancy diet.
She is Losing Her Color and Condition
Your Betta may seem particularly pale and listless. You may notice that her fins are also drooping and that there is a raspy breathing sound coming from her mouth. All of these symptoms could indicate that she is “losing condition” and is actually pregnant. Betta fish are known to be seasonal breeders, meaning that they only reproduce during the warmer months. This means that during the colder months, your Betta is not actively trying to reproduce as she would during the warmer months when she is in a more fertile state.
Losing condition is especially important during pregnancy, as it means that your Betta is not getting the nutrients that she needs to maintain her normal color and swimming ability. It is also important to pay attention to the water quality in your tank and the water quality of the water in your tank mate’s tank, as some pollutants, can have an adverse effect on pregnant Betta fish.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to tell the difference between whether your Betta is pregnant or just fat, you can work towards helping her get back into shape. If you notice that she is not as active as usual or she is maintaining her swimming ability, you should take steps towards helping her lose weight as part of a pregnancy diet. If you have a female Betta that is “losing condition” due to not being able to reproduce, you should make sure to provide her with plenty of hiding places in her tank and make sure that she is getting the right amount of food and water. While it can be frustrating to try to tell if your Betta is pregnant or just fat, it is worth the effort. Betta fish are fascinating creatures that are gorgeous to look at and are fun to watch as they spawn their tiny fry.