Betta Fish Complete Care Sheet

Betta fish is a very beautiful one to make your fish tank brightly colored and exquisite in looks, but it comes with some small yet necessary points to be remembered and always kept in regulation. Thus, here is a Betta fish complete care guide you should go through.

General

Betta fish is originally called Siamese fighting fish and is the most celebrated of the Gourami family.
Betta’s name comes from the ancient clan of warriors called “ The Bettah”.
Betta is a tropical fish with origin traced back to rice paddy fields and standing flood plains.
Betta has a life span of up to 6 years if kept properly.

Behavior

Betta is a combatant fish and is as aggressive as its vibrant colors.
Male Bettas never get along with each other and often fight off to death.
Female are less aggressive than male Betta fishes and can be kept together preferably for the breeding purpose.
Female Betta fish can be placed in a group of minimum 5 in a tank of at least 12-15 gallons of water.
Betta belongs to the labyrinth family of fishes and thus breathes through direct oxygen at times. They might jump out off the tank at times too.
Betta fish tank mates are very few and usually dull and smaller in size than Betta.

Housing

Betta fishes are best kept alone as they do not gel up well with any other fishes.
The optimum tank size for housing a Betta is 2 gallons or 10 litres minimum.
The Betta fish tanks choices are vast which include: Round bowls, bow front tanks, tanks with dividers, Zen looking tanks, advanced “bio” tanks.
Betta comes from a tropical region and thus requires a moderately warm temperature and get uncomfortable in the cooler temperatures than 75 degree Fahrenheit.
Decorations are not required in a Betta tank neither are they appreciated by the fish. But, dark caves and corners are preferred resting spots.
Betta likes to stay in one place and usually do not swim all around but are territorial in tendency.
Filters can be of lesser power when housing a Betta as their origin is from mostly standing waters thus, do not like high streams. The flow of the filter pump should be minimised.
Betta is very sensitive to atmosphere change and get sick with slightest variations. Keeping a regular check on the conditions and functioning of the tank is necessary.

Maintenance of Tank

Bestseller No. 1

Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 2.5 Gallon

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

Bestseller No. 2

AQUANEAT Fish Tank, 1.2 Gallon Aquarium, Small Betta Fish Tank Starter Kit with LED Light and Water Filter Pump, Rectangular

Easy to Maintain: The water filtration system reduces the frequency of water changes, which makes it a good choice for aquarium beginners or starters to keep a single Betta, a couple of shrimp, snails, or a small goldfish. Dimension：8”x5.25”x7”(LxWxH)
Built-in Light: LED hood provides ample light for the tank making your fish glow brighter and the decorations stand out.
Compact Size: The tank is lightweight, cute and small and it doesn't take up too much space on the desktop or a kitchen counter. (Note: If the current is a bit strong, you can put a pre-filter sponge filter on the intake to reduce the water flow.)
Complete Starter Kit: 1x 1.2 gallon Fish tank, 1x Sponge, 1x Water Filter, 1x 5V USB Power Cord, 2x Artificial Plants The filter MUST be fully submersed under water.
Note: No USB power adapter included, the tank need power of DC 5V/ 2A. Make sure the adapter you use is powerful enough. Insufficient power of the adapter may cause the light or the pump not working. If the pump stops working or the water flow decreases, it is time when you need to take the pump out and clean it. And the pump need to be FULLY SUBMERGED UNDER WATER to work.

Bestseller No. 3

Betta Fish Tank Small Aquarium with Heater, 3 Stage Filtration, Light, Self Cleaning, 2.5 Gallon Beta Tank Starter Kit for Goldfish, Shrimp, Guppy, Jellyfish

[Powerful Filtration System] Features a unique dry-wet separation filtration system that combines physical and dual-biological filtration, effectively removing fish waste and debris. With self-cleaning, oxygenation, and water circulation functions, it significantly reduces the frequency of water changes
[Well-designed and Versatile] The hidden filtration design isolates the equipment from the fish living area, ensuring an independent living environment for the fish, preventing them from getting injured or being sucked in. And the aquarium heater can be installed in the filtration chamber, ensuring uniform heating throughout the tank. And Its’ operating volume not over 18 dB, go beyond quiet
[Leak-proof] One-piece construction and high-clarity acrylic material ensure a durable and long-lasting goldfish tank that will showcase your underwater world beautifully. With the option to power it with a power bank during power outages, you can rest assured that your fish will be safe and sound at all times
[3 Color Lighting Modes and 10 Brightness Levels] Our small fish tank comes with warm white light, natural white light, and cool white light. Simulates natural daylight, promoting the growth of aquatic plants and enhancing the vivid colors of fish. The light intensity can be precisely adjusted to meet the needs of different fish species and aquatic plants
[Easy Maintenance and Assembly] The detachable beta tank lid and filtering accessories simplifies maintenance and allows for effortless decoration. Plus, it includes a user manual with instructional videos for easy setup and operation

Bestseller No. 4

Tetra 1 Gallon Half Moon Small Fish Tank w/ Movable LED Light, For Betta & Gold Fish, Aquarium

AQUARIUM KIT: Clear plastic, half moon-shaped front allows unobstructed viewing.
MOVABLE LIGHT: LED light can be positioned to light tank from above or below – requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
IDEAL FOR BETTAS: Bettas have large, heavy fins that weigh them down, so they do not need a lot of space; bettas require minimal maintenance and make a great species for beginners.
CONVENIENT: Clear canopy has a hole to make feeding fish easy.
1.1 GALLON TANK: Small size that’s perfect for a desktop or in any room (9 inches x 10.5 inches x 4.5 inches).

Bestseller No. 5

Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

SLEEK DESIGN: Rounded corners and clear glass canopy allow viewing from multiple angles.
DAYLIGHT/MOONLIGHT LIGHTING: Bright white LEDs create a shimmering sunlight effect; blue LEDs produce a moonlit glow.
EASY ACCESS: Hinged LED lighting and sliding glass canopy.
SIZE: 5-gallon aquarium fits Marineland Rite-Size Z Filter Cartridges.
HIDDEN FILTRATION: Advanced, 3-stage filtration is out of sight, enhancing aquarium viewing.

Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Unfiltered water tanks are not preferred for housing of a Betta and if so, will require compulsory 50% water change twice week and complete water change once a week.
Waste products from fishes produce ammonia which is harmful in even small amounts. The filter needs to be effective in its working to remove it immediately.
Tank water cleaning for a filtered tank is easy in Betta with water change of 15-20% every week.
Betta fishes are easily affected by change in water temperature and thus make it sure that the water you are adding has the same temperature as the one it is already in.
Aquarium salt and water conditioners are good for Betta a they remove deadly toxins from the water. But, the amounts should be kept in regulation as they can harm the fish skin instead.
Tank can be cleaned by using gravel vacuum cleaners and soft clothes but not with soap or cleaning chemical. The bacteria in the tank are good for the fish.

Food and Diet

Bestseller No. 1

Ultra Fresh Betta Fish Food, Pro Shrimp Patties, 50% Sword Prawns + Akiami Paste Shrimps, All Natural Protein, Rich in Calcium, for Betta's Healthy Development and Cleaner Water, 0.7 oz

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

Bestseller No. 2

TetraBetta PLUS Floating Mini Pellets, Fish Food With Natural Color Enhancer, 1.2 ounces

BETTA FORMULATION: Nutritionally balanced diet is an ideal daily staple food for your Siamese fighting fish (betta splendens) and other top-water feeding tropical fish.
FOR DAILY FEEDING: Premium diet high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids for energy and growth.
COLOR ENHANCING: Includes natural color enhancers to promote the development of rich, beautiful coloration in your betta fish.
FLOATING CRISPS: Blend of tiny, colorful floating crisps for top-water feeders.
CLEAR WATER: Advanced clear water formula helps maintain water clarity.

Bestseller No. 3

Tetra BettaMin Select-A-Food 1.34 Ounces, Fish Flakes, Variety Pack

BETTA FORMULATION: Nutritionally balanced diet is an ideal daily staple food for your Siamese fighting fish (betta splendens) and other top-water feeding tropical fish.
3 FOODS IN 1: Includes Tetra BettaMin Flakes, freeze-dried shrimp and TetraBetta Floating Mini Pellets in one can.
FOR DAILY FEEDING: Advanced nutrition for the discerning fish-keeper.
COLOR-ENHANCING: Works to enhance your betta’s naturally brilliant colors.
EASY-TO-USE DISPENSER: Canister top allows you to dial in the food you want.

Bestseller No. 4

Hikari Betta Bio-Gold Baby Pellets Fish Food Bundle Bonus Pack 3 Pack

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

Bestseller No. 5

API BETTA FOOD Fish Food Pellet .78-Ounce Container

Contains one (1) API BETTA FOOD Fish Food Pellet .78-Ounce Container
Contains key nutrients that enhance the vibrant color and overall health of betta fish.
Floating pellets are easily digested for maximum absorption.
Bettas release up to 30% less toxic ammonia, resulting in cleaner, clearer water.
Feed twice a day, only the amount your bettas will consume in two minutes.

Last update on 2025-03-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Betta fish is carnivorous and requires a high protein meat and fish based diet.
Commercial pellets can be good food choice for Betta as it includes fish meat, blood worms, shrimp mixture.
Betta fish can easily get constipated due to overfeeding. It does not have a control over its food cravings. So, keep a check on the amounts required for your Betta fish’s diet.
Betta requires around 2-3 pellets twice a day and not over that. Remove any uneaten food immediately from the tank.
Betta fish also likes snacks from time to time. They enjoy freeze dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimps and glass worms. Once a week is enough for them to avoid bloating.

Health and Sickness

Betta fish are highly prone to diseases as they are sensitive and have their behavioural tantrums too which affect its health.
The most common of the diseases are fin/tail rot and tail biting. They are mostly related to tank maintenance and can be cured easily.
Temperature change causes a lot of sickness to the Betta out of which lethargy is the most common. Use of a heater is recommended in the tank always.
Infections like white spots and parasite attack like ich are one of the deadly diseases for a Betta.
The best treatment for any disease treatment for a Betta is to isolate it in a similar tank rather than treating it in the same tank.
Tuberculosis is almost incurable in Betta fish.
Just like any other fish sickness, Betta can be cured by similar treatments for a too. But, use of aquarium salts and Epsum salts is a better method to treat most of them.

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