Sexing Bettas

AquaNut · Oct 3, 2003

Hi all...

One of my 'female' bettas is building a bubble nest. :huh:

Does this mean she's just a really industrious female, or is she really a short finned male? "She" is definitely feisty; I've introduced her to one of my males a couple of times, hoping to induce her to spawn with him. She doesn't want to spawn (yet!), but I'm not even sure if she's actually old/big enough to do so yet. She does, however, flare up at the male a lot and isn't even remotely afraid of him. They do not fight or attack each other at all, though. She used to live in a community tank with another 'female?', and she was a bit of a bag, but nothing serious. She's the second female pictures in my "Bettas" thread in the members photos forum. Anyone know the deal with 'her'?

glubglub · Oct 3, 2003

its probably a male betta then but its hard to say for sure. there are several kinds of bettas that have short fins such as a round tail better. also she will have a lot less colour than a regular male betta. if in boubt call the place where you got him from and ask if they carry both males and femals. Also if he/she was in a small bowl by himself then its most likely a male (but not definitly). Good luck. :nod:

wuvmybetta · Oct 3, 2003

the pair of bettas that I bought for spawning purposes are only 4 months old and ready to go so it may not be that she's not old enough -_-

, surely she is. She may just be Ms.Independant and building her own nest, sort of "do-it yourself" style

, I have several girlies that build nests, one in particular competes with her male neighbor to show him up

his nests always look inferior compared to hers B)

AquaNut · Oct 3, 2003

Thank you wuvmybetta! I knew you'd know if it was normal for her to be building a bubble nest. :thumbs:

I actually just moved her recently and she's now beside a male. At first, she was flaring and fanning at him like crazy, but now she's just building her bubble nest. She's my favourite girl; she has so much personality. :wub: