Origin:

Rice Paddies of Southeast Asia
 

Tank Temperature:

75-80°F
 

pH:

6.8-7.4
 

Feeding:

Betta Fish Food includes Flakes and pellets formulated for bettas, meaty frozen foods, brine shrimp, and blood worms; feed a small amount once daily or every other day
Overfeeding pellets can lead to bloat/swim bladder.

Behavior:

Generally peaceful but can be aggressive & territorial; multiple bettas in the same tank will fight.

Compatibility:

Best kept alone though some may tolerate similarly sized non-aggressive fish if kept in a tank of at least 10 gallons or larger. Tank MUST be larger enough to house bettas with other fish, typically 10 to 15 gallons. Avoid brightly colored fish & fish with long, flowing fins. Do not keep more than one betta in a tank. Males will fight to the death with males & kill females when not breeding.
 

Bettas, sometimes referred to as “Siamese Fighting Fish,” are tropical fish found in the warm, shallow waters of Southeast Asia. Bettas have unique adaptations that allow them to live & thrive in stagnant pools, including the ability to breathe atmospheric air in addition to breathing with their gills. You may see your betta gulp air at the surface of his water sometimes.

There are many different species of bettas, though the most popular in the aquarium hobby is Betta splendens. Wild bettas have dull coloration & relatively short fins. The brilliantly colored, long-finned beauties you commonly see have been selectively bred to show those greatly desired traits.

Betta’s behaviors are as fascinating as their appearance. They earned the label of “fighting fish” due to the aggression males in particular show toward each other. A male will flare his fins & gills in an impressive display, even if faced with his own reflection. Males that encounter one another in a closed environment will often fight to the death. Males will also show aggression towards females unless they are ready to spawn, so it is not recommended to keep them together.

Bettas are low-maintenance & easy-care fish, which makes them popular fish for beginners & children. However, contrary to popular belief, they should not be kept in unfiltered bowls or vases. There is a common misconception that a betta kept in a vase with a peace lily is a self-sustaining ecosystem,

where the plant filters the water & the betta eats the plant. This is not the case, as bettas are naturally carnivorous, so eating plant roots would not sustain the fish. The plant also does not provide enough filtration to keep the water healthy & there isn’t enough filtration or heat to sustain the betta’s health.

We recommend keeping your betta in a filtered tank no smaller than 3 gallons. Use a heater to maintain the temperature between 75 & 80 degrees & keep your tank away from drafts & cool breezes. We recommend a heater in all tanks for tropical fish as ambient room temperature is too cold.

Live plants such as Java Moss, Java Fern, or a strand of Hornwort will provide a place for your fish to relax & help keep the water clean & oxygenated.

Questions?

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or fish@thatpetplace.com.
 

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