Preparation

• Male bettas reach sexual maturity after 3.5 months of age. Some male bettas will begin to develop bubble nests in their bowl or aquarium to indicate readiness for mating. The bubble nest serves as a place for the eggs to be stored by the female betta. In preparation for mating, a female betta may develop vertical bar markings on the sides of her body, indicating readiness.
  
  

First Meeting

• The male and female should only be placed together when they are both ready to mate. Both males and females are capable of being aggressive toward one another and should not be left together in the same tank unless mating is going to occur. Upon meeting for the first time, the male may be aggressive toward the female as an act of dominance. This is completely normal as long as neither fish appears to be injured in any way.
  
  

Spawning

• The female will spend more time around the bubble nest when she is ready for spawning. At this point, the male will likely circle around her, twisting and wrapping his body around hers. It may take some time for the male to determine the best approach toward the female for the act of spawning. This is a completely normal process. The male will eventually find a way to wrap himself around the female.
  
  

Embrace

• The male and female will find the proper position for spawning, and will lock together in an embrace that lasts for several seconds. The interlocked fish may sink to the bottom of the spawning tank during this process. Once he releases the female, the male will go about collecting her eggs. It is his duty to collect the fertilized eggs and move them into the bubble nest at the top of the aquarium. The female may consume the eggs if given a chance. It is the duty of the male betta to tend to the eggs in the bubble nest until they hatch.