It is perfectly ok to destroy a betta fish bubble nest.
These nests, which are made by male betta fish near the water surface of their fish tanks, sometimes need to be cleared away. This may happen, for example, when you need to clean the fish tank. When this occurs, your betta fish will simply make another one.
This article takes a look at the betta fish bubble nest: what they are and what happens when you destroy them, and we provide some answers for some common questions about the consequences of clearing them away.
Should I Remove My Betta’s Bubble Nest?
There is no real need to remove your Betta’s bubble nest.
A healthy male betta fish forms these nests out of bubbles as part of the breeding process, and it shows that he is healthy. He makes them at the top of the tank because this is where the oxygen he needs to fill the bubbles is available.
There is no need to clean the nests away; they are not a sign that your tank is dirty and do not indicate that your fish is unwell.
However, if you do remove them, that’s ok too.
Some people remove betta nests with a ladle and then put them back after the tank has been cleaned. Sometimes you may accidentally damage one or just choose to remove it completely. That’s ok too because your fish will soon build another if he wants to.
The only reason to leave a Betta bubble nest intact is if you’re trying to breed them or if you can see eggs or fry (baby bettas) in the nest.
Is It Bad To Destroy Betta Bubble Nests?
It is not bad to destroy Betta bubble nests.
Betta nests in the wild are constantly damaged or lost, and it is natural for your Betta to start again.
If you do accidentally destroy a Betta nest or have to remove one, remember that a clean tank is the easiest environment for him to begin again.
According to Tankarium, Betta fish will always choose clear areas for their nests, and in the wild, will constantly begin afresh when a nest is destroyed.
Can Betta Fry Survive Without Their Bubble Nest?
Betta fry, or recently hatched betta fish, do not seem to be able to survive without their nests.
This is because the bubble nests protect the eggs and the fry in a clean, safe environment when they most need it. If an egg falls from the nest, the male Betta will often return it.
However, after the fries have hatched, they can’t survive on their own immediately. The hatchlings need the oxygen from the bubble nest. The bubble nest keeps them safe from predators, including, apparently, their own mother.
The hatchlings will usually stay in the nest for up to a week, taking nourishment from the surface of the water.
FAQ
- How Long Does It Take for a Betta Fish to Make a New Nest?
The answer to this is unique to each fish. There is no recorded information on how long it takes to build a nest because nobody has ever camped next to their fish tank for long enough to record it. There is, however, a wealth of information available on how to motivate your betta fish to begin building his bubble nest.
- What Do I Do if My Fish Does Not Make Another Nest?
It is well known that betta fish sometimes need to be motivated to begin making another nest or even to begin one in the first place. There are many strategies to try, including turning down the infiltration unit power, introducing a female, and, as mentioned before, cleaning the tank.
- What Happens if There Are Betta Eggs in the Nest That I Have Just Destroyed or Removed?
Unfortunately, if you destroy the nest and it contains eggs, the eggs will not survive. However, if you have handled the bubble nest, or the foam, with care, it is possible to replace the nest intact. Scooping up the nest with a plastic cup is one way to protect the structure of the foam. After the tank has been cleaned, gently place the nest back where it was.
Summary
Destroying a betta bubble nest just seems like an awful thing to do. But it’s fine. If you have to clear away a bubble nest in order to clean your fish tank, then do so. Remember, though, if there are eggs present, they won’t survive unless you very carefully remove and replace the same nest. Otherwise, don’t be too concerned; your Betta will soon make himself another nest.
