When breeding Betta fish do siblings from the same spawn breed viably or are unrelated best?

Question

I am looking at raising Betta and am considering purchasing two or three breeding pairs on AquaBid.com The auctions frequently say that a a sibling sister is available. I know in some animals breeding siblings is undesirable because they are too closely related. Providing that I am purchasing sound stock with the characteristics I desire (as line breeding will only enhance those characteristics be they good or bad) is breeding siblings from the same hatch undesirable?

Answer 1

Breeding siblings helps produce the desirable traits, and if the fish has the traits you want then yes, it is a good thing! If it does not have the traits you want then do not get the fish.=)

Answer 2

With bettas, having a sibling of the opposite s*x as a breeding partner is usually considered good because their colors will more closely match.  That way you are more likely to have a good genetic match and get fry that follow the same coloring, which will sell better.  Then, to line breed them, you will want to pick the best of the fry and breed the daughters back to the father.

Answer 3

Breeding siblings doesn't seem to have as many bad side-effects in fish, as in mammals.  If you desire particular traits, using siblings would be the best way to keep those traits, with less "unknown" factors being added to the mix.

Remember to check the offspring for defective/deformed fish, and if there are many rejects you might consider using a different male or female.  But they will probably all be just fine.  

Keep a journal, record what you try & what worked or didn't, where you bought stuff, and any other important events or details.