Eggs hatch
The fry will hatch 1.5 to 2 days after spawning. After hatching the tiny fry can’t do much more than wiggle, and they frequently wiggle their way out of the bubble nest. The male has a busy job for the next few days putting the fry back in the bubble nest and maintaining the nest. It’s a 24 hour job, and if the male misses any of the fallen fry, they may not survive.
Its best not to try to do the male betta’s job for him. Even if you lose a few of the newly born fry, trying to save them will probably disrupt the tank and the nest, and really upset your male betta. Its better to just leave them alone.
When to remove the male
Two days after hatching the fry have figured out a bit of how to swim. They will leave the bubble nest and spread out over the tank lying just under the water surface. The male, having not eaten in all this time, may start eating some of the fry. This doesn’t always happen, but as before, keep a close eye on the breeding tank to make sure all is well. Many breeders will remove the male at this point, as he’s done his job and can’t really help the fry any more.
Move the male to a nice warm, clean tank with no other fish in it. Feed him top-quality food and be good to him for at least a week as he recovers from raising his fry.
