Week 1 — Free-Swimming
Fry hatch from eggs in 24-36 hours and remain attached to the bubble nest. The male tends them. After 3-4 days, fry become free-swimming — this is when you remove the father (he may eat them) and start feeding.
First food must be tiny: infusoria, vinegar eels, or commercial liquid fry food. Newly hatched brine shrimp are too big in week 1.
Weeks 2-4 — Brine Shrimp
Switch to live baby brine shrimp (BBS). Hatch your own daily — store-bought decapsulated cysts hatch in 18-24 hours in salty warm water. Feed 3-4 times per day.
Begin tiny daily water changes (10-20%) using airline tubing as a slow drip siphon. Use prepared water at the same temperature.
- ✦Add a sponge filter at week 2.
- ✦Live food is non-negotiable until week 6.
Weeks 5-8 — Crushed Pellets
Introduce crushed quality pellets alongside live food. Hikari Micro Wafers crushed to dust work well. Continue BBS once daily.
By week 6 you will see body color forming and male bettas starting to flare at each other. This is when aggression begins.
Weeks 9-12 — Jarring Males
Males must be separated into individual containers (jars, cups, or divided tanks) by week 8-10 or fights cause permanent damage. Females can stay together.
Each male needs at least 16oz of water and a daily 100% water change. Cover jars to prevent jumping and reduce flaring stress.
Selling and Distributing
By 12-14 weeks the bettas are sellable — males show full color and tail shape. Local fish stores, aquarium clubs, online forums (Aquabid for serious breeders), and friends are your distribution. Plan ahead — finding 100+ homes takes time.