Betta Fish Care Guide

Betta fish (Siamese fighting fish) are among the most popular aquarium fish worldwide. Despite their reputation for being “easy,” bettas have specific care requirements that, when met, allow them to thrive and display their stunning colors and personalities.

About Betta Fish

Betta splendens are native to Southeast Asia, originally found in shallow rice paddies and slow-moving waterways. They’ve been selectively bred for centuries, resulting in the stunning variety of colors and fin types available today.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 2-3 inches long
• Lifespan: 2-4 years in captivity
• Temperament: Intelligent, curious, can be aggressive
• Activity: Active swimmers when given proper space
• Breathing: Labyrinth organ allows breathing atmospheric air

Tank Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum: 2.5 gallons for one betta
• Recommended: 5+ gallons for optimal health
• Shape: Longer tanks are better than tall, narrow ones
• Lid: Essential - bettas can jump

Essential Equipment

Heater:

• Adjustable heater rated for tank size
• Maintain 76-82°F (24-28°C)

Filter:

• Gentle filtration (bettas prefer calm water)
• Sponge filter or adjustable flow filter

Lighting:

• LED aquarium light for 8-12 hours daily
• Helps with day/night cycle

Tank Setup

Substrate:

• Gravel or sand
• 1-2 inch depth

Decorations:

• Silk plants (avoid sharp plastic)
• Caves or hiding spots
• Smooth decorations only

Water Parameters

Ideal Conditions

• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Water Changes

• Frequency: 25-50% weekly
• Treatment: Use dechlorinator
• Temperature: Match existing tank water

Diet & Nutrition

Staple Diet

High-quality pellets:

• 32-40% protein content
• 2-3 pellets twice daily
• Soak pellets to prevent bloating

Supplemental Foods

Live/frozen foods (2-3 times per week):

• Bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Mosquito larvae

Feeding Schedule

• Frequency: Twice daily
• Amount: 2-3 pellets per feeding
• Fasting: One day per week
• Remove: Uneaten food after 5 minutes

Foods to Avoid

• Goldfish flakes (inappropriate nutrition)
• Bread or human food
• Freeze-dried foods (can cause bloating)

Health & Wellness

Signs of Healthy Betta

• Active swimming and exploration
• Bright, vibrant colors
• Erected fins
• Good appetite
• Clear eyes
• Smooth scales

Common Health Issues

Fin Rot:

• Symptoms: Frayed, discolored fin edges
• Causes: Poor water quality, stress
• Treatment: Water changes, antibacterial medication

Ich (White Spot Disease):

• Symptoms: White spots on body and fins
• Causes: Stress, temperature fluctuations
• Treatment: Gradually raise temperature, medication

Swim Bladder Disorder:

• Symptoms: Difficulty swimming, floating issues
• Causes: Overfeeding, poor diet
• Treatment: Fasting, peas, improving diet

Velvet Disease:

• Symptoms: Gold/rust-colored dusting on body
• Causes: Poor water quality, stress
• Treatment: Medication, improve water conditions

Behavior & Enrichment

Natural Behaviors

• Bubble nesting: Males blow bubble nests at surface
• Flaring: Display behavior when excited or threatened
• Exploring: Investigating decorations and plants
• Resting: Lying on leaves or in caves

Enrichment Ideas

• Live plants: Anubias, java fern, moss balls
• Mirrors: 5-10 minutes daily for exercise (not longer)
• Variety: Rearrange decorations occasionally
• Feeding variety: Different foods keep interest

Tank Mates

Suitable Companions

Peaceful fish (in 10+ gallon tanks):

• Neon tetras (school of 6+)
• Corydoras catfish
• Ghost shrimp
• Snails (nerite, mystery)

Incompatible Tank Mates

• Other bettas (males)
• Aggressive fish
• Fin-nipping species
• Very active schooling fish in small tanks

Introduction Guidelines

1. Ensure adequate tank size
2. Add tank mates before betta
3. Provide hiding spots
4. Monitor for aggression
5. Have backup plan for separation

Breeding Basics

Sexual Differences

Males:

• Longer, more elaborate fins
• Brighter colors
• Beard visible when flaring

Females:

• Shorter fins
• Fuller body shape
• Egg spot visible
• Less vibrant colors (usually)

Breeding Considerations

• Requires separate breeding tank
• Complex process requiring experience
• Fry need microscopic foods
• Males guard nest aggressively

Common Mistakes

Tank Setup Errors

1. Too small tank: Causes stress and poor water quality
2. No heater: Bettas are tropical and need consistent warmth
3. Strong current: Bettas prefer calm water
4. Sharp decorations: Can tear delicate fins

Care Mistakes

1. Overfeeding: Leads to obesity and swim bladder issues
2. Irregular water changes: Causes ammonia buildup
3. Wrong tank mates: Stress and potential aggression
4. No cycling: New tank syndrome

Remember: Bettas are intelligent fish that can live 2-4 years with proper care. They recognize their owners, can be trained to perform simple tricks, and display unique personalities when given appropriate environments.