We have Bubblenesting!!

(Proud daddy-2-be poses as he looks as his handy work of bubblenesting)

Tillikum has built an awesome bubblenest for Rikku and has been adding more and more bubbles. Rikku's curiosity has gotten the best of her, always approaching the nest from behind Tillikum as he works to keep it neat. He's been enticing her alittle bit, not much chasing and flaring but showing off for his girl. If you havent noticed, Rikku has been reintroduced. Im crossing my fingers for a full spawning success. Im actually sitting here watching the tank on my right side for anything new. Right now im being stared at by Tillikum who's wondering whats that shiny thing on my lap..lol. As for Rikku, she is hiding in her cave. If anything happens believe me it'll be posted here.

Have a good night!

Back to Square one :(

Goshdarn it,

And we have to start with square one, so once again we try to recondition as Rikku did not respond to him, her stress stripes were showing instead of the normal vertical stripes. . So Tilly is once again showing off from behind the divider. Since the heater died last night the water temp shot down to 72 degrees, which may be the reason why she shown the stripes. things happen which are not in our control. so i guess since we have the new heater now, one more reintroduction let them get comfy again and hopefully off it will happen. keep your fingers crossed for me!

Update # 3

Not much change, so far Rikku has been submissive to Tillikum. However Tillikum's been busy Flaring away at his rival, he's been acting alittle agressive so I have Tiku in another tank close to Tillikum and letting those two flare out their frustrations, hopefully he will calm down enough to mate with her. Rikku's been hanging around the bubblenest here and there so we're just watching and waiting as usual. I took a picture of her while she was playing with the orange bead, she likes to push it around and study it and occasionally flare at it. She's really barred up and chunky, I guess she's waiting for just the right time.. Well got to go- I will update later tonight!

Update # 2

And Rikku has been placed into the tank with Tillikum. So far she's hanging in the bottom, Tillikum is on the otherside of the tank checking her out. He spreads his fins out when he swims by her and she watches him, but when she's ready she will give him the "go" . I will update you later on how the fish are doing. I have a couple of things to do today.

Meet the Lovely Couple

Here's the Father his name is Tillikum,

Tillikum is a Blue/white Halfmoon Betta (which is a different type of Betta since his tail, when fully spread looks like a halfmoon. There is another species which is more common called Veiltails, which tails are longer and kind of looks like a brides veil.)

He was Found by a friend who works at my local pet shop. He kept Tilly just for me as he knew i was looking for a very special blue betta. Tilly is a very special blue betta. I named him after a special whale who I am particularly attached to. The name "Tillikum" is Chinook jargon which is a language used in the Pacific Northwest. Tillikum means "Friend."

Here is the Expectant Mama her name is Rikku.

Rikku I bought at a pet shop which she for some reason caught my eye. She is a young female who is a halfmoon Plakat. Plakats are another type of betta. their tail types are completely different than the more common Veil tails as explained above. Her red colors with the hint of blues and greens. I believe she would make a great mate to my Tillikum.

For the past few days I've been in the process of conditioning her to Tillikum. They are currently in a ten gallon tank with a divider between them. the water is at warm 86 degrees, Indian almond leaf has been introduced and i also threw in a little bit of Black water extract.

*Update #1:

Tillikum has been flaring less at Rikku and created a magnificent Bubble nest for her. Rikku's interest in Tilly has been pretty good. She follows him around, her vertical bars are showing and lighter which means big time interest and recently the egg tube has begun to protrude. she's getting kinda fat with eggs which is a good thing. So here's hoping I have some great news tomorrow!! have a good night!

Welcome friends and Fellow Betta Lovers

To my Betta spawning log. I decided to create this blog to share my experiences with my first spawing pair. All together I have 5 bettas (three male and 2 female) but this is Tillikum and Rikku's journey as they become parents and as I will also keep track and updates on the fry as they hatch and grow. I hope you all enjoy reading this as I share the good and bad experiences in Betta breeding. Thanks for reading.