Hello everyone!, from Canada Options

[Maria]

Hello, just wanted to introduce myself, I'm Maria (of course) from Ontario, Canada. I haven't kept bettas in a while but I just got a new one today at last. I am more of a turtle person and fish aren't really my thing so I thought I'd join in case I need some help.
Anyways, this is Morrison, he was sold to me as a crowntail but I'm thinking he's not...Is he a veil tail? I chose him because he looked the healthiest and youngest, mainly, not to mention I like his pastel-ish colours. He's not tiny, but he's not that big yet either. Whatever he is, I hope to keep him alive and healthy for a long time!
Sorry for the poor quality, lighting really stinks in my room I will try to get some better pictures later!

[Niko]

Hi maria, welcome to the forum. The Betta shown in the picture is the what is known as the veil tail. Crown tails can be recognized by the pointed edges of its tail. There are some interesting articles and pictures in the forum which can help you distinguish between the different tail shape. Also visit worldofbettas.com for some pictorial guidance.

[Charles]

hi maria welcome to wob!!

yes you are right that is a veiltail.

what types of betta did you keep before?

[Maria]

He's kind of odd...I'll try to get a better pic of him flaring, he's got some pointed like a crowntail but then the rest like a veiltail...or is his tailfin just been ripped like that? It's been like that since I got him.
I've never seen a betta his colouring before. It's been a while since I had bettas, but the last one before him was a butterfly betta, he was beautiful but unfortunately I don't think I have any pics anymore.

[Niko]

I really like your veil tail!! Are you planning to breed it?

[Maria]

So he is a veil tail...good to know. And thank you! Yes, I have though of breeding him, I have never tried breeding before though. Do you have any recommendations for me?

[Niko]

Best way that I had found to breed bettas was:

1. feed the male and female a good diet especially with bloodworms for a week. Other food should be continued to be given.

2. Select a female which is nearly the size of the male

3. Once you have selected the pair, prepare a tank with a sponge filter (and no surface agitation), add one indian almond leave (water will turn yellow to brown...normal)

4. Place male for a day or two to acclimatize to the new tank. Make sure that the tank has no gravel, plants etc. Just a bare tank.

5. Fill it half way - 3 to 4 inches of water would be enough and it should be heated to 30 degrees. Make sure that tank is fully cycled to avoid fry deaths.

6. After two days, place female in a glass chimney and let the male flare and build the bubble nest. Some may use the floating indian almond leave to build the bubble nest under it. One may have a plastic styrofoam cup cut in half and attached just enough to touch the surface.

7. Once you see that the female has a white spot just under the belly and vertical lines on the gills, that would be an indication that the female is ready.

8. Release her and you will notice some aggression from both sides. It is normal. If it too violent, I would suggest to remove one.

9. If they are ready they will embrace each other and the female will release eggs and males picks them up and spits them into the nest.

10. Remove female and let nature nature takes its course.

11. After 48 hours or less you will start seeing the young fry. Keep the male inside with the fry as he will take care of them for the first 2 or 3 days.

12. Once done that remove male and start feeding the fry newly hatched brine shrimp...not powdered at this stage. Feeding should start on the third day.

[Maria]

Thanks for the info. I may not get to it for a while as I am at university and have just got him set up in my dorm room (in a good enclosure though, no little bowl or anything!) but I don't know if I have space for another tank...I may put a divider in his tank though. What is the best age for breeding them? Also, what kind of female (colour, species) would you recommend breeding with this guy, any suggestions?

[Niko]

Best age to breed is 3 to 5 months. They are in their prime. As for female I would go for a similar colour as veil tails have been bred for quite some time at a commercial level that you would not know exactly what colour you would get especially if you do not know any of their parents colour morph.

[Maria]

Hm, ok thanks!

[Charles]

nice double tail veil tail.

the female you choose really depends on what colour you want to try and achieve.