Betta Fish Care Guide
History of Betta Fish
The Betta fish belongs to the tropical region of the world. It thrives in the steady waters mainly comprising of paddy rice fields, slow streams, and muddy waters.
The origin of Betta fish traces to Thailand where they were first discovered. They are the most celebrated members of the Gourami family and thus get their behavioural name “The Siamese fighting fish”.
They have really bright and vibrant colors because of the multiple mutations they undergo during the process of their reproduction. This exquisite nature of these fishes makes them one of the most preferred pets all around the world.
They inherit a large hue of colors which makes their pattern untraceable to recognise. But, the most common color of them is blue and its respective shades.
From ancient times of its discovery, Betta was known as warrior. They were aggressive and would die for their territory especially against a fish of their own species.
Male Betta does not have a tendency of liking towards each other at all. If kept in the same fish tank, they would surely fight till one or both of them die.
However, the compatibility of male Betta with the female ones is considerably good. Especially, during the season of breeding and reproduction both the genders take care of each other.
Betta fish has been since early times of its discovery been used for fight shows which started in Thailand initially leading to its fame all over the globe. But, these death sports are extremely deadly for the fishes even if the other one survives or wins.
Their fins are torn out and body scarred which gradually kills them slowly or leaves them sick most of the time. But, it is not true that they are only bred for fighting purpose. People with pet fish tanks love Betta in the community because of the magnificent colors and features of this fish.
Characteristics
- Betta fish are small in size.
- They grow in height more than the length.
- The average Betta fish can grow up to 3 inches in length and half an inch in diameter.
- During their aggressive times, they spread their fins and tail such that they look nearly 1/4th times bigger than their original size.
Life Span
- Betta fish are fighters both in nature in life span. The eldest Betta till now in the records lived up to 6 years.
- The only thing to consider is taking care of your fish to make it survive longer.
- Average Betta lives for about 2-3 years.
- A well kept Betta can live up to 5 years.
- Male Betta fish live longer than female thus, if you want a longer lasting relationship with your fish mates, it is preferred to get a male one.
Habitat
- Betta fish live in slow stream fresh waters with moderately warm temperature.
- The origin of theirs belongs to rice paddy fields in South Asia.
- They can be found in the natural habitat thriving in steady ponds, rice paddy fields, stranded water streams and dark shallow lakes.
- Betta is a tropical fish and requires minimum 75 degree Fahrenheit temperature to live well.
- An aquarium heater is compulsory for a Betta fish tank where atmospheric temperature varies a lot from day to night.
- Betta fish like to stay alone and have territorial standing of large areas. Thus, a fish tank of minimum 2 gallons is required to house a Betta.
The Anabantoid nature of Betta
- Betta fish belong to the Labyrinth family as it also can be seen from its upturned mouth. It breathes directly from atmospheric oxygen.
- Betta fish needs oxygen directly from the air more than from water.
- A low level oxygen tank would not harm the health of a Betta. But, their nature of jumping out of the surface makes it necessary to keep a cap or lid on the fish tank.
The Anabantoid nature of Betta can be seen in all varieties of Betta but the endurance varies in every fish.
Different Types Of Beta Fish, Names And Tails
Veil Tail
Veil Tails have a long tail, anal and dorsal fin. They are known for their bright colors and spectacular fins.
Plakat
These are short-tailed betta fish. They are larger and stronger and less prone to injury.
Crown Tail
Crown tail Betas have striking tail. They have teardrop shape to its tail while the twin tail is split.
Half Moon
They are one of the prettiest species due to their often unusual coloring and 180 degree, fan-like tail.
Deltas & Super Deltas
The Super Delta Tail Betta boasts a breathtaking color pattern in which the body coloration radiates partially into the fins.
Double Tail
Double tail Betta has a true double caudal fin, in which there are two distinct tails and not just a split in a single tail. Some varieties of double tail are also known as Full Moon Betta but its only a marketing term.
Rose & Feather tail
They are half-moon Betta with extra branching in the fin rays.
Round Tail
They can be compared to a Plakat with a large tail, and mistaken for a Delta. The fin shape is round, rather than the straight edges of a Delta, but fuller and longer than that of a Plakat.
Half Sun
Half Sun Betta’s are usually produced with crossing a Veil Tail and a Crowntail.
Betta Fish Bubble Nest
If you see any clusters of bubbles on the wall of your tank, do not freak out. Instead be happy. Why? Because it is an indication of your Betta fish being healthy and happy. This cluster of bubbles is known as Bubble Nest.
But why does it make The Bubble Nest?
It is a sign that your Betta fish is preparing for breeding. The process follows as such:
- The male Betta fish will build the nest which can be up to 7.5cm in diameter.
- Then, it will look for a female Betta fish for reproduction.
- After finding and spawning with the female fish, the female fish will leave its eggs. It is the duty of the male fish to quickly catch the eggs in its mouth and place them safely in the bubble nest.
- The female fish does not take any responsibility of the eggs thereafter. The male Betta fish takes care of the nest till the eggs hatch and grow enough to survive on their own.
What does the bubble nest do?
Betta fish due to its natural habitat being shallow waters are surrounded with dirt, small rocks and puddle. The bubble nest provides a natural habitat for the eggs to grow healthily.
It prevents any dirt or external object from interacting with the eggs. The bubbles make sure that the eggs are always surrounded with rich oxygen and are moist.
Even in the fish tanks without a female fish, the male Betta will make the bubble nest because of its instincts. There is no specific time frame for them or period of cycle to observe.
It is just known that they do it from time to time with their instincts that the atmosphere is compatible for breeding process.
Betta Fish Breeding Process
If you want to increase the count of Betta in your tank, you can usually breed them. Breeding is a good thing for both the Betta and its owner as it happens only if the health and atmospheric conditions are perfect and vice versa.
But, the breeding process is a very complicated and time taking one. So, you will have to possess enough patience along with regularity in checking the conditions of the tank. The complete process of breeding is given below step by step:
The Fish Tank
- For any fish to breed, it needs to be healthy enough. So, setting up the fish tank and revising its condition before starting the breeding process is very crucial.
- After setting the conditions of the tank you need to bring a female Betta and prepare another similar tank for it. The female fish needs to be of the same size and similar age as the male fish.
Note: A young breeding pair of approximately 14 months of age is best for breeding as this age is perfect for the process and the results are most optimum.
- Do not place both the genders in the same tank. Betta fishes are territorial and will end up fighting to death for their territory. Even during the breeding time.
- Wait for 2-3 months for the fishes to settle in the environment and then go further on the breeding process. After they have settled increase the temperature of the tank to 80 degrees Fahrenheit as this is the preferred temperature for the breeding.
- Remove any gravel or similar substances and plastic plants from the tank as the eggs can get lost in them which will result in depressing the male fish and deteriorate the chances of healthy hatching of eggs.
- The water level must be maintained at six inches from the lower surface of the tank. Try using an adjustable filter and heater to change the environment as required.
The Breeding Season
- As the breeding period approaches start feeding the fishes live food and keep changing the water regularly to avoid any contamination. The two tanks need to be kept beside each other such that both the fishes could see each other.
- The female Betta will show signs that it is ready to spawn. The belly will look swollen vertical stripes appear on the body of the female fish when it is ready to spawn.
- Place the female in the tank of the male fish and observe the behavior of both. If there is any aggression in their behavior, remove the female fish and try again after a few days.
- The signs that they are getting ready to spawn is that the male fish will spread its fins and flaunt its colors showing off its masculinity to attract the female.
Note: There may be slight bullying by the male fish as it snaps at the fins of the female Betta. As long as it appears to be harmless, do not try to interfere. This behavior may last for several hours or even days.
- Then the male Betta will start building a bubble nest to attract the female to copulate. The female will then release the eggs and then try to stay away from the male.
Necessary point: The female will look paralysed while releasing the eggs. It is perfectly normal. Immediately remove the female after it starts moving again or it may try to eat the eggs itself.
Taking care of the eggs
- As soon as the female releases the eggs, the male fish will catch them with its mouth and place them in the bubble nest to grow.
- Both the fishes need utter care during the courtship period as they are susceptible to infections. Treating the tanks with MarOxy or any other similar medication is good to avoid any fungal attack on the eggs.
- Before the eggs hatch, keep a stock of live small insects to feed the new born. The new born are called fry. They will usually swim at the surface looking for the insects and live food.
- Cover the tank with a plastic sheet to avoid cold wind from getting in as the fries may develop pneumonia when they swim around the surface and catch the cold wind.
Betta Fish food and Diet Procedures
Betta fish is carnivorous and requires a high protein diet to thrive. In their natural habitat, they usually feed on live insects, blood worms, mosquitoes. Feeding your Betta with commercial carnivorous pellets is enough for a good diet.
Betta fish do like snack from time to time. The best snacks for them are frozen worms, freeze dried fish and blood worms. Though a Betta fish can eat anything it should and even if it should not, they do not.
They are very choosy in the food they eat. Here is a list of their favourite and most nutritious foods:
- Fish Pellets – Betta pellets are the best source of nutrition for the Betta fish on a daily basis. Feed your fish around 2-3 pellets twice a day and it will get enough protein to stay healthy.
- Live Food – Live food for Betta includes insect larvae, mosquito larva, daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms. Live food is preferably fed to these fishes when they are in the healing process. When feeding live food, the tank needs to cleaned from the leftovers as they are likely to catch infection quickly.
- Frozen Food – Frozen food is more expensive than other options but liked the most by the Betta. They are mostly fed as snacks once or twice a week. Frozen food is better as the freezing kills all the germs and makes it harmless. Unfreeze the amount you need to feed.
- Freeze Dried Fish – This one food when fed regularly will make the Betta ignore any other food for ever. They like this food so much that they get addicted to it. Freeze dried fish is best for medication and vitamin intake for your fish.
How Often to feed Betta Fish
- Overfeeding is one of the main reasons for the Betta to get sick. They do not have a proper control over their appetite and in good tank conditions will eat any amount of pellets you feed them.
- This leads to constipation in them which is a major killer. The best option to void overfeeding is to provide only the amounts your Betta takes 2 minutes to devour.
- An overfed Betta will look swollen if it gets constipated and the eyes seem to be popping out of the head too. So, try not to get into that or the treatment will cost more than feeding it because of a slight negligence.
- BETTA FORMULATION: Nutritionally balanced diet is an ideal daily staple food for your Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) or other top water-feeding tropical fish.
- FLOATING WORM-SHAPED BITES: Mimics real bloodworms in size, shape and color.
- COLOR ENHANCING: Includes added color enhancers to promote rich, beautiful coloration in your betta fish.
- CLEAR WATER: Won’t cloud aquarium water when used as recommended.
- age range description: adult
- High Palatability : Sword Prawn Flavor - A blend of wild sword prawns, akiami paste shrimp, vegetables and seaweed. A perfect 8:2 meat/vegetable protein ratio even the pickiest betta can’t resist
- Superior Quality Ingredient : All natural protein from fresh meat, vegetables and seaweed. No additives, no artificial flavors or coloring, no byproducts and other harmful ingredients. Made from carefully selected ingredients like Sword prawns, akiami paste shrimps organic spinach, fresh squid, fresh-pick garlic, natural spirulina and seaweed
- Healthy Growth Formula : Rich in calcium and vitamin D. It's not only tasty but also keeps fishes healthy! Jam-packed with a variety of vitamins (A, C, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12) great for betta’s growth, keeping color vibrance and boost immunity
- Easy to Intake & Digest : 1.5mm Granule, the right granule size for adult betta fishes to consume, safer and easier to digest. *Feed 1-3 times per day, no more than your fish can consume within 3 minutes
- 3 Million CFUs/g Probiotics : 3 million CFUs/g probiotics are within the food to help dissolve fish excrements, residuals and keeps water clean. Probiotics also increase the feed conversion rate, improve betta’s immune system and gut health
- Nutritionally balanced for Betta
- Developed around a betta's natural diet
- Pellets float to allow for surface feeding
- Contains color enhancers for vibrancy
- Ideal for Betta, Gouramis and Paradise Fish
- AQUARIUM DIET SUPPLEMENT: Freeze-dried bloodworms are a nutritious supplement to boost energy and conditioning in your aquarium fish.
- FOR FRESHWATER & SALTWATER FISH: Perfect for bettas and ideal for small- to medium-sized tropical and marine fish.
- SPECIALLY PROCESSED: Minimizes any undesirable organisms found in live bloodworms.
- CHILD-SAFETY LID: Tetra BloodWorms should be kept out of reach of children.
- USAGE: Feed 2 to 3 times a week in addition to staple diet, only as much as your fish can consume within a few minutes.
- Scientifically Developed Diet For All Types Of Bettas
- Optimally Balanced Nutrition Bettas Require
- Contains Ingredients Uniquely Beneficial To Bettas
- Color Enhancing Diet
- Perfectly Sized Pellet
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Long Can Betta Go Without Eating?
Betta fish have a lot of endurance to starvation. So, if you plan to go out of town for a few days do not worry about your Betta as it will survive without eating.
Though, there are auto food devices which can be set at a particular time to feed to fish. They drop pellets into the water at the set times of the day which can help you in extending the vacation period without worrying about the tank either.
Betta fish Diseases
Betta fish are quite prone to diseases, so making it sure that the tank is safe from any external health deterioration is necessary. The best way is to keep the tank clean, the devices running and keeping a regular check on them.
But diseases come in a lot of varieties too and can hit your Betta even after it is kept in a very safe environment. The most common disease is constipation for Betta as they do not have a diet control. The other diseases that occur to Betta are fin rot, dropsy, tail rot, Ick, Gills mites, fungus and many more.
Beta Fish Names
It might sound weird to name your Betta fish but it is somehow a very important part of Betta fish care. Giving your fish a name not only lets you feel comfortable with them, it helps you distinguish between each fish and take care of them better.
You can look over at complete list of Betta fish names or just select one of our own.
Betta Fish Tank Mates
Betta fish prefer to stay alone but if you want to populate the tank with some friends, there is not much to choose from. Betta fish are territorial, egoistic and aggressive. They would get into a fight with any fish that seems to be territorial, more vibrant in colors, attractive, or bigger in size.
To select a good Betta fish tank mate you can opt from these fishes: African Dwarf Frogs, Apple Snails, Neon Tetras & Ghost/Red Cherry Shrimp.
Betta Fish Tank/Bowl
- Equipped with SmartClean(TM) Technology to perform water changes in less than 2 minute
- Improve water quality for a happy, healthy fish
- Includes aquarium vessel, hood and elevated base, power filter, small filter cartridge, fish food, water conditioner and setup guide
- Great home for small fish
- For first time and experience fish keepers of all ages
- 🐠The Perfect Aquarium Starter Kit: Behold the 1.5-gallon nano glass fish tank, a gem that every aquarist should have in their collection. This square beauty is ideal for Betta fish, Guppy fish, Angelfish, and all your favorite tiny swimmers. Complete with LED lighting, a hanging filter, and a lid, this tank has it all!
- 🐙Sleek Design: Our tank measures 6.3 inches long, 6.3 inches wide, and 8.67 inches high, crafted with premium 4mm thick high-definition glass. The back glass rocks a chic black finish, while the bottom comes cushioned with classy black EVA, giving the entire tank a sleek, sophisticated look that perfectly complements your American-style home. Plus, our custom lid ensures no fishy business with any escape artists.
- 🐠The Parameter of the Filter: AC110V/60Hz, 2.5W, 250L/H, the flow is adjustable. The filter is hanging back, which allows for more room in the tank. ⚠️Remember, fill the filter with water before every start-up!
- 🐳Full-spectrum Aquarium Lights: Let there be light! Our tank features a brilliant clip-on lamp that illuminates your underwater world with a dazzling glow. Operating at AC110~240v, 8W, 450 Lumen. Full-spectrum aquarium lights are suitable for aquatic plant growth, this LED fixture promises a radiant view of your aquatic buddies.
- 🪸The Perfect Present: Our mini aquarium comes in stunning packaging, making it the ultimate gift for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. As we all know, fish tanks can be delicate, especially during transit. If your tank arrives damaged, fret not – just reach out to us, and we'll gladly refund or replace it for you.
- FAMILY ENJOYMENT: Owning an aquarium can be a really fun and rewarding experience while providing many wellness benefits such stress relief, sleeping better at night and better productivity at work
- DAZZLING COLORS: Energy-efficient LED lighting with 7 dazzling color selections to brightly illuminate your fish; choose daylight white, blue, green, amber, aqua, purple, or red
- COMPLETE FILTRATION: Powerful internal power filter cleans and purifies aquarium water at a flow rate of 25 gallon per hour, effectively removing fish waste and debris; uses Koller Products XS replacement filter cartridges, B086GMHR1P, available on Amazon
- OPTIMUM VIEWING: Constructed of impact-resistant plastic with crystal-clear clarity so good that most think it is made of glass; providing leak-proof assurance
- EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner to advanced, easy to set up and maintain; ideal for a variety of tropical fish
- [Easy to Set] - This small aquarium starter kits is easy to assemble, you can refer to the instructions as well as the video in the listing to learn the installation. The whole fish tank kit contains a 2 Gal. Glass fish tank, a 3 colors LED light, a quiet 3-in-1 aquarium filter, a small fish tank decorations. Suitable for breeding betta fish, shrimp, lobster, jellyfish crayfish, goldfish...
- [Keep Crystal Clear] - The beta fish tank self cleaning has a quiet 3-in-1 filter to form a complete filtration system. It can reduce the number of water changes, so that the small fish are not irritated by frequent changes in the environment. And it keeps the tank Crystal clear and also add air.
- [High Quality GLASS] - The fish tank is made of GLASS, only the black part is made of plastic. The glass fish tank is not easy to scratch, deformation, rounded side design on the front of the fish tank, no bumps and hurts, easy to clean, stable and durable.
- [Room Decor] -The fish tanks is the great choice to decorate your room and decorate your office, to add color to your living and working environment. Pleasant mood as well as relaxing life. It will not disturb your work, life and sleep. Real tests, make the water pump fully immersed in the water, the pump's sound was below 35 DB.
- [Great GIFT Idea] - The best choice of gifts for friends and family, can also be given to children aged 6-12 years old as a birthday gift ,simple and can develop children's hands-on skills, does NOT look cheap.
- Aquarium KIT Hexagon-shaped aquarium kit is perfect for betta fish
- COLORFUL Bubbling disc automatically cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors
- INCLUDES FILTER Includes air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and provide a healthy environment for pet fish
- AIR PUMP Drives both the bubbling disc and the filter
- CONVENIENT Clear canopy has a hole for easy feeding
Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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