Female betta fish can be kept together in a mixed group, but the following points need to be noted:
The precursors of female betta fish reproduction mainly include the following aspects:
Abdominal Swelling: When the female betta fish is carrying eggs, its abdomen will swell noticeably, looking round and even a bit droopy.
Protruding Genital Opening: A white protruding dot will appear on the lower abdomen of the female betta fish carrying eggs, which is the genital opening.
Behavioral Changes: After carrying eggs, the activity level of the female betta fish will decrease. It may become more vigilant and protective, and more sensitive to the surrounding environment.
Conspicuous Egg Spots: Before the eggs hatch, one or more conspicuous egg spots will form on the underside of the abdomen of the female betta fish. These egg spots are part of the egg sac, and the development process of the eggs can be seen.
Mating Stripes: When the female betta fish matures, if there are eggs in its abdomen, the color of its body will vary in shade, forming vertical stripes, which are called "mating stripes". This is a signal to the male betta fish.
Abdominal Distension: After carrying eggs, the abdomen of the female betta fish will swell obviously, its swimming speed will slow down, and it likes to hide quietly under the aquatic plants.
These precursors can help you determine whether the female betta fish is about to reproduce, so that you can take better care of them.