When it comes to breeding betta fish, many betta enthusiasts will tell you that it is no easy task, and they are right! It isn't easy breeding betta fish, there is a lot that you need to know about these fish before you even get started, but if you do decide to try breeding betta fish then it can be very rewarding. Not only will you have the pleasure and luxury of seeing newly born betta fry, but you can also make a substantial living off of breeding betta fish. Yes, that's right, your favourite pets can make you some extra cash! All you have to do is a little bit of research before you begin.

Your first task is to actually locate a female betta fish. Female bettas are much harder to come by than males. This is because most pet stores do not sell them because they are not very popular. The reason for this is because females are a lot less colourful than the males and are hence not as popular with fish owners. However, you can locate female betta fish on the internet. Simply type in your search on a popular search engine and you will find dozens of links which will take you to a number of sites which can provide you with a female betta. However when purchasing live animals from the internet, always make sure that you are buying through a reputable website to ensure the healthiest and happiest fish.

Once you have received your female you need to keep it in a SEPARATE tank, do not put the fish together! The reason for this is that betta fish do not live well together in small environments and should always be kept apart. Once you have your male and female in separate tanks, then you should begin the mating process by making sure that they are both very well fed (although don't over feed them!) you will notice some changes in behaviour with both of the fish. The male should begin to make a bubble nest and the female will grow larger with eggs, sometimes you can even see the eggs through her body!

Once both fish are ready, you should set aside at least a couple of hours so that you can observe and keep an eye on your bettas during the mating process. Put the female in with the male and watch. If either fish shows any sign of aggression then you should remove the female straight away and try again another day. Remember, it doesn't always happen the first time and you should have patience in order to get your betta fish to breed.