Some of the most common and beautiful fish species include the betta fish. Also known as Siamese fighting fish, they are famous for their vibrant colors and flowing fins. Originating from Southeast Asia, they’ve become popular around the world as pets because they’re beautiful and easy to care for. In our comprehensive guide, you can learn everything about betta fish, including their lifespan, ideal water conditions, how to feed them, tank mates, and more.
Table of Content
What is Betta Fish?
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
How to Choose the Best Betta Fish?
What Temperature is Right for Betta Fish?
What Food Do Betta Fish Eat?
How Often to Feed Betta Fish?
How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food?
Do Betta Fish Sleep?
What Fish Can Live with Bettas?
Do Crayfish Eat Betta Fish?
Betta Fish Care Tips & Tricks
What is Betta Fish?
In the case of betta fish, you will often hear or read about the “Siamese fighting fish” or “labyrinth fish,” but their scientific name is Betta splendens. These freshwater fish belong to the Osphronemidae family and are famous for their beautiful colors. You will find them in blues and reds, greens and oranges and the likes. Male bettas are typically more colorful and have larger, flowing fins than females. Commonly found in home aquariums, bettas can be quite adaptable to smaller tanks, but they still need proper care and a good environment to stay healthy.
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
Like most fish species, betta fish can live 2 to 5 years when well taken care of, and the lifespan can be directly related to the environment you provide. Proper cares like keeping their tank clean, ensuring a good habitat, and monitoring their diet can further improve their longevity. That’s why you will find this guide helpful whether you are a beginner or an experienced betta fish keeper.
How to Choose the Best Betta Fish?
When picking a healthy betta fish, keep an eye out for a few important signs:
- Color:Look for betta fish in deep and vibrant colors.
- Fins:Ensure fins are big, flowing and intact without any tears or ragged edges.
- Swimming Behavior: Choose an active fish that swims with ease. Steer clear from those with clamped fins or excessive lurking.
- Body Condition:Check for a flat stomach, no swelling, and clear eyes. Avoid signs of illness like discolored fins, skin disease, or parasites (e.g., small white dots indicating ich).
- Temperament:Observe behavior. A lively and exploring betta is generally healthier than a dull one.
What Temperature is Right for Betta Fish?
Betta fish are tropical fish and prefer warm water temperatures ranging between 78°F (26°C) and 82°F (28°C). This temperature range is close to their natural environment. Water that is too cold is lethal to the bettas as the their immune system will slow and make them prone to disease, whereas water that is too hot can make bettas uncomfortable and age quickly as their metabolism will rise, so monitoring your tank temperature is important for good betta health. Make sure your tank has an aquarium temperature controller like the INKBIRD ITC-306A and always have a backup heater.
What Food Do Betta Fish Eat?
Betta fish are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. In the wild, betta fish munch on live prey such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms and even tiny fish, but in home aquarium, high-quality betta pellets, betta flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, and brine shrimp can also be excellent options to keep them healthy.
How Often to Feed Betta Fish?
Betta fish should be fed twice a day, provided your tank is at the correct temperature. A good routine is to feed them once in the morning and once in the evening. Feed them only as much as they can eat in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and poor water quality, so careful portioning is important for a balanced and healthy diet.
How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food?
A healthy betta can survive without food for about a week in a well-maintained aquarium, but this doesn't mean you should take unnecessary risks. Going too long without food can make them weak and more susceptible to illness, so, in this case, it's best to use an automatic feeder that can slowly release food for your betta.
Do Betta Fish Sleep?
Yes, betta fish do sleep. They tend to sleep at night or in dimming lighting, when they’re less active. Bettas may sleep on the tank bottom, on the plant leaves, or even on the water surface. Creating a cozy space with some hiding spots helps them feel secure while they rest. However, when bettas sleep, they stay aware of their surroundings and can react to any potential threats quickly.
What Fish Can Live with Bettas?
Male betta fish are known for their aggressive nature, so it is important to choose a fish or creature that is gentle and will not irritate your bettas. Here are some great options for betta fish tank mates.
- Shrimps
- Neon tetras
- African dwarf frog
- Catfish
- Clown Pleco
- Kuhli Loaches
- Snails
Do Crayfish Eat Betta Fish?
Yes, any type of crayfish will definitely murder your betta. Crayfish are natural predators and may attack and consume smaller fish with their claws. Therefore, it's not advisable to keep any kind of fish with a crayfish.
Betta Fish Care Tips & Tricks
Though betta fish are relatively easy to care for, providing optimal conditions can keep them healthy and vibrant. Consider the following betta fish care tips:
- Proper Tank Size: Betta fish need a minimum of 5-gallon tank, but larger tanks are always better.
- Water Quality: Betta fish prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Also, change 25-50% of water weekly to remove waste and maintain water quality.
- Filtration and Aeration: Choose a filter that is appropriate for the size of the tank to keep the water clean and aerated.
- Temperature: Betta fish are tropical fish that thrive in temperatures between 78-82°F (26-28°C). Use an aquarium heater controller to maintain the desired temperature in the tank. Read this guide for more aquarium temperature tips: Aquarium Tips: Do Not Cook Your Fish
- Live Plants: Consider adding easy-to-care-for plants such as Java fern, Anubias, or floating plants, which not only provide betta fish with hiding places, but also helps reduce stress and improve water quality.
- Diet: Feed your betta a diet consisting of high-quality pellets or frozen live food such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms. They should be fed twice a day and avoid overfeeding.
- Lighting: Betta fish enjoy moderate lighting, so use a timer to provide 12-14 hours of light per day, followed by a period of darkness.
- Monitoring and Signs of Illness: Regularly observe your betta fish for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, clamped fins, or discoloration.
