New betta owners might get concerned when they see foam or bubbles forming on the surface of the aquarium. Does this mean the betta is trying to tell something? Let’s find out.
What is a Fighting Fish Bubble Nest?
It’s common for species like Labyrinth, Gouramis and Betta to build a bubble nest. With the intention of reproducing, these fish gulp the air from the water’s surface and slowly release them to give it the shape of a bubble. Once released, they take the form of a nest of around 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
These types of fish usually hide them under the leaf or near the tank walls to protect them from bursting. A slight wind blow or sudden movement can cause bubbles to burst in no time. To keep the nest intact, bubbles are coated with thick saliva to ensure their safety.
Why Do Male Bettas Build Bubble Nests?
Studies reveal multiple reasons behind bubble nest construction, such as marking territories, protecting habitat, or informing female betta fish they are ready to mate.
When a female betta releases her eggs, male bettas, also known as siamese fighting fish, carry them in their mouths and build a nest for each egg to protect it. After bettas make bubble nests, they watch over them to prevent any fungus or potential threat. Once the fry is out, male betta fish nurture it until it’s ready to be in the water on its own.
Since labyrinth fish fry don’t have a labyrinth organ when they’re born, they require extra care and protection, which seems guaranteed only inside a bubble. This helps them maintain the oxygen levels from the surface of the water within the bubble nest.
Can Female Bettas Make a Bubble Nest?
Females can create bubble nests. Even though creating a bubble nest in betta species is associated with male betta, female betta fish also build nests occasionally. This behavior is observed before the female betta is about to lay eggs, as a sign for betta fish reproduction.
Betta fish bubble nests created by betta females could also indicate hormone shifts and mood swings (something common in all females).
Does a Bubble Nest Mean The Betta is Happy?
Betta fish’s bubble nest construction doesn’t necessarily mean that the fish is happy. In fact, in most cases, it simply implies that the fish is ready to mate or reproduce. Most betta fish don’t thrive in a constricted environment such as aquariums, but they still build bubble nests there.
There have also been cases where they don’t construct bubble nests even when betta is placed in a large tank with suitable environments. If you’re a betta breeder and want your betta fish to build a bubble nest, look for a new comfortable home or change your betta fish for better reproduction chances.
3 Signs of Betta Eggs in Bubble Nests
Some signs that your betta is protecting the eggs in the bubble nest are:
White or yellow specks appear around the bubble
Betta fish spending more time around the bubble nest
Female betta becoming more active
Factors That Influence Bubble Nest Building
Nests play important role in breeding betta fish. So, betta owners, ensure your betta is comfortable by keeping these factors in mind:
Temperature: Betta fish build nests in comfortable temperatures of around 78 to 82°F. If a heater doesn’t maintain such ranges, betta will not reproduce.
Storms and Rainfall: Storms and rainfalls reduce the oxygen levels of water. Due to indigestion, this makes it difficult for betta to construct nests.
Fish Tank: Betta nest won’t survive in a compact tank with multiple tank mates. Thus, fish tank size and material impact the betta’s overall living and breeding experience.
Water Quality: Pure and clean water boosts reproduction, keeping betta fish healthy.
Reasons Why There Aren’t Any Betta Fish Bubble Nests in Your Aquarium?
If your betta hasn’t created any bubble nest since you got it, there’s no need to worry. Betta have certain conditions to construct a bubble nest. This doesn’t mean your betta is unhealthy or sick, so don’t panic and give it time.
Major Reasons
Other fishes in the tank
Underlying health condition or age level
Poor water quality
Cold water temperature
Strong water current
No plants, decor, or hiding places
Here’s How To Take Care of Betta Bubble Nest
Now you know betta fish build a bubble nest for various reasons, but how to protect it from getting damaged? Here’s what you can do:
Use a Tank Filter
Bubbles can easily get disrupted in a small betta tank without a filter. To slowly change the water, install a tank filter on the opposite side of the tank from the bubble nest. This protects the bubbles from bursting and increases their chances of survival.
Once the eggs are hatched, you can resume the maintenance process as usual.
Add Aquarium Lid
It takes betta a lot of time and energy to build bubble nests, but they can be easily destroyed with a slight movement or wind. Thus, adding an aquarium lid helps the bubbles stay protected and also keeps the betta from jumping out of the aquarium.
Wrapping Up The World of Betta Fish Bubble
Betta fish are known to construct bubble nests when betta is ready to reproduce. Mostly, it’s the male betta fish’s job to construct a nest and it won’t be affected by wind before the egg is hatched.
You can also encourage bubble nest building by providing optimal conditions for your betta, such as adequate water level, temperature, and filtration, to keep your betta fish healthy, happy, and comfortable.
