Male bettas are habitual in making bubble nests. It is the first step towards betta breeding. So, many fish breeders like to buy male bettas for their fertility and attractive colors. You might have often observed betta fish bubble nest in your fish tank.

There is no need to worry about this activity. Some consider it a sign of happiness and satisfaction, while others say that male betta signals to the female betta to mate. 

However, we have collected useful information on what is a bubble nest. Why do male bettas build bubble nests? What happens when male bettas do not build a bubble nest? And you can know all pros and cons of building a bubble nest.

Betta is a beautiful and sensitive creature. The betta belongs to the streams and lakes of Thailand. It is usually found in slow-flowing water bodies or still water. Though these places are filthy and contain less oxygen, the bettas are used to adapt to such an aquatic environment. This polluted environment favors betta as predators do not come and attack in the betta’s habitat.

Scrolling down, you will also know how to care for and boost the fish to build the bubble nest.     

Betta Fish Bubble Nest Are Made By Male Bettas – Why?

Male bettas are used to build a bubble nest. Firstly, it is a sign that a male fish to get prepared for parenting. The male betta builds a nest and signals to the female betta to mate. Male bettas attract the female betta partner due to their bright colors and enchanting beauty. 

As a female betta take part in parenting, the hatched eggs are secured in the bubble nest. The male betta is responsible for maintaining the bubble nest until the fry (newborn fish) comes out of an egg. The bubble nest is prepared to protect the young hatchlings and fertile betta eggs. Furthermore, bubble eggs provide sufficient oxygen to the newborn fish and help it to survive in the aquatic environment.

However, parenting is not always the reason to build a bubble nest. Another reason may be the climate change of the betta habitat. In simpler words, it is a survival defense of male betta. In streams and other habitats, male betta often builds nest having climate change like monsoon or temperature changes.

In a betta fish tank, betta cannot experience the rain. But, the male betta can do so when the temperature changes happen inside the tank. So, be careful about the optimal temperature. 

Some people consider that bubble nest reveals that your betta is happier inside the tank. But, it is recommended to take great care of the temperature or aquatic environment inside the tank.

Why are the eggs kept in a bubble nest?

Bubble nest provides sufficient oxygen and other necessities to survive. So, the eggs are kept in the bubble nest. 

Technically, betta fish belongs to the species family called Aphrophils. Aphrophils choose habitats like slow-moving streams or still water that consist of low oxygen. Low-oxygen water keeps the predators away from bettas or species of Aphrophils.

But this habitat is not suitable for hatching eggs as eggs cannot survive in such conditions. 

So, most species that take an interest in reproduction create foams or bubbles to protect the eggs. 

Consequently, the betta fish build bubbles to provide oxygen to the egg. Furthermore, the fry (newborn fish) stays within the bubble nest for a week or more. The purpose is to make it adaptive to the aquatic habitat of betta. As it gets capable of living without parents, the fry leaves the bubble nest and explores its new home. 

Betta keeps the eggs within the bubble nest for two reasons:

• First, it secures the eggs from predators.
• Second, the eggs are provided necessary oxygen and food to survive. 

Water changes and Bubble Nest Building

With male betta, it is advised to keep the water changes less. Frequent water changes can cause unhealthy behavior in betta. Betta builds up a bubble nest in the bottom of the tank, behind the plants, rocks, and caves. So, a change of water in the tank will not favor male betta.

Well, male bettas are free to make bubble nests in their natural habitats. But, in the case of water tanks, it is different. Whether there is a female betta or not, a healthy betta male love to make bubbles. If you disrupt the creation of the bubble, it may stress out the male betta. 

How can you know that male betta is not happy with you? If you have disrupted the bubbles or changed the tank’s water, it is a drastic moment for the betta. Male betta will not take any feed from you.

You will find the betta irresponsive on throwing food in the tank. Sometimes, fish may get aggressive. You can see the fish’s aggression when it flares its gills on the sides of the tank. The fish’s temperament may variate as per the nature of the betta.  

However, male betta will immediately respond to the love and care of someone who does not disturb the bubble nest.

Floating Plants And the Betta Fish Bubble Nest

IMAGE	PRODUCT	Rating	PRICE
	Duck Weed Articial Floating Plant	9.5	Check on Amazon
	Spangles Floating Plant	8.7	Check on Amazon
	Live Aquarium Floating Plant	9.5	Check on Amazon

Betta is a delicate and sensitive aquatic specie. You will find its amazing inclination towards bubble nests. As a fish tank owner, you should take great care of the aesthetic sense of the fish. As described earlier, Male bettas like to build bubble nests behind the rocks, in the bottom, and in places where it feels safer.

You can let the male betta feel happier and healthier using floating plants.

Add some plants in the water that may float easily. Thus, a vivid change in the emotions of male betta will be observed. It provides more space to explore and build its bubble creation in the tank. After completing the bubble nest activity, Male betta often swim around the creation and have great fun in the water. 

Adding floating plants is a superb idea to improve the health and mood of betta. Follow some precautions while choosing the plants:

• Choose the plants carefully according to the size of the tank. 
• The view of the fish tank should not be hidden. So, choose smaller and more feasible plants according to the tank requirement.
• Floating plants should be safer for all fish inside the tank. It should have soft leaves and stems. Avoid plants with hard spikes and pointing edges. 

How often do Betta Fish Build Nests?

Usually, there is no fixed pattern and time frame to build a bubble nest. Male betta instinctively builds bubble nest regularly. The male betta is used to create bubbles weekly, monthly, or at different times. You cannot predict when the male betta will create the bubble nest. It all depends upon the mood of the betta.

The pattern of bubble nest varies from each male betta specie to another. Now, you have come to know the different reasons for building a bubble nest. But there is not always any reason to build a bubble nest. It is in the instinct of male betta to create the bubbles. Sometimes, betta do so just for the satisfaction of self. 

Nonetheless, if your lovely friend is not creating the bubbles, do not worry. It does not mean that your friend is unhealthy or fertile. Sometimes, betta builds only a few bubbles, a single line, or a few lines only.

But it is just an urge of male betta to do so. Remember, never disturb the bubble nets of male betta or change the water when your fish is doing this activity. Otherwise, you will lose the love of your pet friend. 

Small World Cartridge Bubble filters

Small-world Cartridge filters are the best option if you have a small fish tank. Penn-Plax small-world aquarium is the most popular and best-selling small-world cartridge.

Why do experts recommend cartridge filters? These filters carry dual filtering technology. High-quality carbon and zeolite chemicals are capable of contaminating the fish tank. Further, the bio-foam sponge makes it more reliable and increases the action of cleanliness.

You can choose the cartridge filters according to the size of the fish tank. But be careful while adjusting the current and water flow. Small-world cartridge filters are preferred over other bubble filters. It is because they are convenient to use and control the valve adjustment easily.

These filters make bigger bubbles that create curiosity among bettas. Bettas often poke into the bubbles of the filters. Small-world cartridge filters create a safer and more protected aquatic environment. 

If your lovely betta is not building the bubbles, the filters may be another reason for that. When filters leave a strong current on the top of the tank, betta may get disturbed and cannot build a bubble nest.

So, adjust the filters carefully, keeping the comfort of the male betta in mind. Replace the cartridges as they get contaminated or reach the expiry limit.  

How to Encourage Bubble Nest Building

If you love the activity of bubble nest by male betta, you should prompt it. You can encourage the male fish to build bubbles by setting a certain aquatic environment. Follow these tips to promote bubble nest in the tank:

• Temperature

Firstly, you need to keep the tank’s temperature up to the optimal range. Bettas survival is possible only under optimal temperature (78 – 82 Fahrenheit). Keep the temperature under control. Consequently, your male betta can get engaged in healthy activity.

• Floating plants or debris

If you want to let your male betta enjoy, add some debris like broken cups or plates in the tank. Such debris will not disturb the ecosystem of the tank. Male bettas often build bubble nests under the surface of cups, at the bottom of plates, and around the floating plants. 

• Water filtration

Adjust the airflow valve and current system of your filter. Keep the filter at low settings. The stronger current from the filter may disturb the bubble nest building.

• Female betta 

Last but not least is introduce a female betta if you are damn serious about the breeding process. 

if male betta is not making a bubble nest – What to do? 

Many fish breeders get worried when the male betta does not build the bubble nest. Further, there might be many reasons behind this blockage. In such case, you need to take some immediate steps:  

Assess The Water Quality

You need to check the quality of water if your male betta is not making a bubble nest. Too hot or too cold a temperature may affect the normal activity of your lovely pet. Betta is a sensitive fish that cannot tolerate temperatures other than 78-82 Fahrenheit. 

Moreover, see the pollutants, pH level, and mineral composition of the water. Though bettas come from polluted streams, they need a certain level of pH to survive in the water. So, the polluted water will increase the pH level, and it may harm the fish’s health.

Another reason may be the speedy filtration process. The fish cannot feel happy if the filtration unit is strong enough to pass out quick currents. So, this current will disrupt the bubble nest.

Sometimes, a bubble nest cannot be formed with strong currents.  

Look For Signs Of Illness Or Injury

Often, a betta is suffering from any disease or injury. If betta is not making the bubble nest, he needs your attention. Check out any injury. Decoration and plants may cause injuries to the fish. So, the fish tank owners should always be careful while decorating the tank. Though decoration makes a good impression on the fish and helps to boost the aesthetic sense of the viewers, it may also injure them. The decoration items should be safer, and floating plants should be spikes-free. 

Check out the normal activity of the fish. If it is not responding like casual days, there exists some problem. For this purpose, you should choose long-spectrum antibiotics like azithromycin and others. Continue the dose to see the impact for 3-4 days. If you do not see any improvement, it is better to hire a consultant.  

Observe Water Flow And Disruptions At The Surface Level

Sometimes, filters leave current on the top of the tank. Thus, the bubbles may get broken. To avoid it, lower the speed of the filter or adjust it as per instructions. Further, cover the top of the tank with plants and floating objects. These floating objects will absorb the current, and bubbles can be secured. As the betta observes that the issue is resolved, it surely starts building a bubble nest.

Consider The Age Of The Betta

Age is the most important factor. Usually, male betta who are aged 8 months build bubble nests rigorously. A male betta older than 1 year or 2 has a lower tendency to build nests. 

When it comes to the age of the male betta, fish owners are helpless. You cannot do anything if your male betta is aged. An aged betta probably builds fewer bubble nests, and at a certain age, they stop this activity. When it happens, you have to wait and get ready for a new and younger male betta along that. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do female bettas make bubble nests?

No, this instinct of building a bubble nest is found only in male betta. Female bettas do not make bubble nests. The male betta does so due to breeding quality. Other than the breeding period, male bettas often need the urge to build a bubble nest. It happens under several conditions. If your male betta is making bubbles, he feels happy and satisfied. 

Well, female bettas save the eggs in the bubble nest, and male bettas are responsible for securing the eggs in the nest.

Will my male betta get depressed if I never add a female to his tank?

Naturally, the male betta wishes to have a female in the tank. Male bettas are found to be optimistic about the breeding process. When male bettas reach a certain age, it starts building a bubble nest.

Among many reasons, building a bubble nest is a signal to start the parenting process. If there is a female fish, the breeding process will start immediately. But male betta will continue building the bubble nest, hoping to get a female fish in the small tanks. 

Moreover, the research has not confirmed whether male betta will be depressed or not in the absence of female betta. But, it is obvious that if someone disturbs the bubble nest, the male betta will get depressed, or it can show you aggression in several conditions. 

Why are the eggs kept in a bubble nest?

Eggs are kept in the bubble nest to protect the hatchlings. Betta belongs to the slow-flowing streams or still water with less oxygen. So, this environment is not suitable for the breeding process. Bettas build a nest to promote breeding and secure the eggs inside the nest.

Furthermore, the baby fish (fry) gets adapted to the low-oxygen environment after hatching. 

Firstly, the protection of the eggs is the priority in the bubble nest. Secondly, eggs and, later on, fry need a suitable environment. Outside the nest, there is less oxygen, and bubbles provide sufficient oxygen to the eggs.

Consequently, a bubble nest is necessary for fry’s survival and longer life span.  

How long does it take a male to make a bubble nest?

There is no fixed pattern and size of the bubble nest. You can find the nest on the surfaces of caves, debris, rocks, and other safer places. No one can tell how much bigger the male betta wants to build a nest. But male betta is capable of building larger nests.

Sometimes male betta builds a single line of bubbles; in other cases, you may find densely joined bubbles with several lines. It all depends upon the temperament of the male betta. However, male betta can build a dense bubble nest within a few hours. But it may also take several days and sometimes weeks to build a desirable bubble nest.

How often do bettas make bubble nests?

If the male betta reaches maturity, it starts building bubbles. The bubble nest building is the sign to get prepared for parenting. Male bettas continue the bubble building around the year. Sometimes, they do so to invite a female fish and mate. In other cases, male bettas also do so when climatic changes, warm temperatures, or rains occur. 

Building a bubble nest shows that your betta is happy and satisfied. But it may signal the caretaker to check the temperature of the tank. On not getting optimal temperature, male betta may release the bubbles. 

Conclusion

Male bettas are brave and spend most of their time caring for the baby fish. Male bettas enjoy the building of bubble nests. Then, they secure the eggs and hatchlings in the bubble nest and provide them with proper nourishment. In this way, they protect the baby fish or fry from predators and poor aquatic conditions.

Male bettas are usually fertile and spend most of their lifespan building bubble nests. If your fish tank is full of bubbles, your pet fish is happy with you. Remember, never disturb the bubble nest. Otherwise, you will have to face the aggression and mood swings of the aquatic pet.

In some cases, fish does not accept the feed from the person who has damaged the bubble nest.