Small-Scale Breeding and Early Fry Culture of Betta splendens Using Artemia Nauplii: A Case Study from Government Arts & Science College (A), Kamareddy, Telangana, India

Abstract

Betta splendens, commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a commercially important ornamental freshwater species valued for its colour diversity, fin morphology and distinctive bubble-nesting behaviour. This study documented small-scale breeding and early fry culture of B. splendens using Artemia under controlled aquarium conditions at Government Arts & Science College (A), Kamareddy, Telangana, India, from February to April 2026. One well-developed male and one well-developed female were maintained separately and conditioned for 10 days with high-quality Artemia feed. Breeding was conducted in a glass aquarium measuring 46 × 22 × 22 cm, with a calculated gross capacity of 22.26 L. Water temperature was maintained at 27–28°C, pH at 7.2–7.5, dissolved oxygen at 4–6 mg L⁻¹ and ammonia at 0 mg L⁻¹. The system contained freshwater, smooth pebbles, aquatic plants, an Indian almond leaf, clean floating bubble wrap, gentle aeration and filtration, and a secure top cover. The male was placed in the breeding aquarium for 24 h to establish territory and construct a bubble nest. The female was then held in a transparent container within the same aquarium for 12 h to permit visual acclimation without physical contact, after which she was released during the morning under close observation. Spawning produced an estimated 150–180 eggs. The female was removed immediately after spawning to prevent post-spawning aggression, while the male remained for egg and larval care and was removed after the fry became free-swimming. Freshly hatched Artemia nauplii were supplied during early fry culture. By the end of the three-month observation period, approximately 45–48 juveniles remained alive and growing, corresponding to an apparent egg-to-juvenile retention of 25.0–32.0%. The study demonstrates the feasibility of low-cost Betta breeding and Artemia-supported fry culture at the degree-college level, while highlighting the need for replicated trials and systematic measurement of fertilisation, hatchability, water quality, feed intake and growth.