Bubble Nests

[bettalvr]

I have read an unbelievable amount of posts on here about the bubble nest, how it's so important, it will kill your fish if it's not there, etc. etc. and this is all crap! The bubblenest is NOT that important guys. If there's not a bubble nest it does NOT mean that you're fish are not going to spawn, it does NOT mean that your male is not ready, it does NOT mean that the male will kill the female. Through my own experience and the experience of MANY show breeders, this is not just random thoughts, it is supported by documented evidence. Some males will blow a huge nest and do nothing, some will not blow at all until the female is present, some will not blow until they are actually spawning. Does this mean that one is better than the other, no. Does this mean you can't put your fish together until you see a huge bubble nest, NO. Looking for the "perfect" bubble nest is being way overrated here.
For those who really want to learn more here is a link to a journal article: [Registered users only can see links. ]

I really hate to see this forum turning into a "this is the way that is correct" without any evidence and this is one of the topics that has done such. Education is key. . . studying under just one person and breeding a few spawns does not qualify us as professionals or experts. It takes years of experience, research, practice, etc. to even begin to learn and once we feel that we know it all, it's time to either quit or accept that we really need to dig in and start learning. And no Luis, this is not flaming at you. . . this is just that some of this stuff is getting way out of hand and this happens to be a topic that has been extremely misguided. Education is the key to breeding/raising better quality bettas and I'm so sorry, but NONE of us have the knowledge/experience to say that we know it all and don't need guidance. Just because something works for me or has worked successfully for me, doesn't mean that it's the right way for everyone. There are some basic guides to follow, but even those get tweaked.

Yes, this is a rant and I am venting. . . but as much misinformation as I have been reading lately is disheartening. And keep in mind that misinformation is why bettas are living in those small cups, no heaters, no regular feeding regime, etc. Let's set our goals higher and strive to share "proven" information that is beneficial, not contribute to the already inundated market of erroneous information about bettas!

[wiccansinger]

yea, my friends parents (who bred bettas for years before stopping) said that their breeding methods litterally changed for the bettas, they couldnt just say there had to be a big bubble nest, because they had a male that wouldnt sporn without one and another whose had to be at least 6 inches (15cm)... each betta will breed differently, not just each person. ^.^

Good to hear someone posting this (although i believe we need to stop the whole cup = home for betta thing quicker than the breeding prob, but thats just my opinion)