Betta fish are very easy to care for and are generally considered the perfect pet fish for beginners and children.
Sometimes referred to as Siamese Fighting Fish, in part due to their aggressive nature toward other male Bettas. Males are easily identifiable by their bright colors and long fins when compared to a female Betta fish.
You can expect your Betta to live around 2 years when well-taking care of. Although, many have been known to live much longer.
Betta Fish Quick Facts
| Scientific Name: | Betta splendens |
| Common Names: | Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
| Salinity: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 1 Gallon Minimum |
| pH: | 6 – 7.5 |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Max Size: | 3 Inches |
| Lifespan: | 2 Years |
| Temperature: | 74 to 82 ℉ |
| Origin: | Asia |
Betta Fish Origins
Betta fish are native to South East Asia. They are very comfortable in shallow water and are commonly found in rice patties or shallow canals.
Also commonly known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Bettas became famous for their fighting ability. At one point they were being bred just for this purpose and battles to the death was a common sport.
Bettas are what’s known as labyrinth fish because of their ability to breathe oxygen from both the water as well as the air. This evolution came from the constant changes in their environment from the rainy seasons to the dry seasons. This is why a Betta can survive in shallow puddles only an inch deep.
Bettas are what's known as labyrinth fish because of their ability to breathe oxygen from both the water as well as the air
The Perfect Betta Fish Tank Setup
- 1 Gallon minimum. Although they can survive in tiny bowls or cups this is not ideal.
- No aeration needed. Your Betta can actually get air right from the surface.
- 74-82 ° F. Heat as necessary.
- Does not play nice with other Bettas. Generally, it will be peaceful with any other short-finned fish though, providing a large enough environment.
- No filtration needed if kept alone in a fish tank. Regular cleaning is required though.
Betta Fish Diet
Betta Fish are carnivores. Regular plant-based fish flakes won’t sustain them. Feed pellets or flakes specially made for a Betta and supplement with brine or blood worms a couple of times a week.
Feed your fish twice a day no more than they can consume within 5 minutes or so. Any food that they don’t eat will sink to the bottom and both exaggerate the cleaning requirements but also increase the ammonia in the water. Water quality is especially important in smaller tanks or bowls.
Compatibility
Betta Fish are generally peaceful and can be housed with many different types of fish. There are however some rules of thumb that should be followed.
Male Bettas should not be housed with other male Bettas. Male Bettas also shouldn’t be housed with female Bettas unless for the purpose of breeding. any fish that is small enough to fit in its mouth. They should also not be housed with the smaller aggressive fish that could nip at their fins.
Bettas can do quite well in a community tank with other peaceful fish as long as they are the only Betta.
