Betta Fish 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

SaleBestseller No. 1
Fish Tank Aquarium 2.2 Gallon with Adjustable 3 Color Lighting 3 in 1 Pump with Filteration, Oxygenation, Water Circulation Triple Function, HD Heat Bending Glass, Leak-Proof Thickened Base
  • 【Triple Self-circulating Filteration System】Self-cleaning Fish tank with a 3-in-1 silent water pump which combines filtering, oxygenation, and water circulation, it also features a reusable filter sponge for 4-pronged filtration, ensuring crystal-clear water and a stable environment for your fish. Designed with an extended rain pipe for a soothing ambiance and visual waterfall experience.
  • 【3 Colors Adjustable Lighting System】Featuring waterproof 8 light beads on the cover's top, it offers three light color options: white, blue, and red (the red color is not that obvious). Easily adjust the colors with the on/off button, but here's the hidden gem: a gentle press toggles the colors while a firm press switches the system on or off. So please remember to use a light touch that is just press the button one-third of the way down.when adjusting colors of the light.
  • 【Enhanced Durability and Clarity】Well-built fish tank crafted from automotive-grade float glass with more than 3mm thickness, experience a 360° HD viewing immersion while the heightened protective features and thickened anti-slip base ensure enduring durability and minimizing maintenance costs.
  • 【Effortless Assembly & Maintenance】Enjoy aquarium ownership with our intuitive design and clear instructions. Easily adjust lighting modes and humidifier spray modes, while water changes are a breeze. Each aspect is designed for effortless operation, ensuring a seamless experience for all
  • 【What You Get】This fish tank kit includes three decorative plants (random type), a removable blue board to prevent fish from jumping out, A resuable filter sponge, 3-in-1 water pump,Clear user instructions and providing a complete entry-level set-up perfect for keeping bettas, guppies, and other saltwater or freshwater fish
Bestseller No. 2
Fish Tank Smart Aquarium Kit: URUQ 2 Gallon Self Cleaning Multi-Layer Filtration System Silent Pump - UHD Glass 7-Color Lighting Temperature Monitoring - Fragrance Diffuser Humidifier White
  • Efficient Water Circulation System: The URUQ smart pump offers powerful suction, effortlessly handling filtration and cleaning tasks. The side oxygenation outlet ensures ample oxygen supply for the fish. Additionally, it features a built-in temperature sensor, with an ultra-quiet operation of less than 35dB
  • Compact Yet Powerful: Equipped with an aroma diffuser, it fills your space with calming fragrance. The flexible mist mode allows you to customize the intervals and intensity of your chosen fragrance. With an innovative one-touch drainage design, water is pumped out effortlessly, eliminating the need for heavy lifting during water changes
  • Upgraded Six-Stage Filtration System: Filtration modules efficiently handle physical filtration and foster beneficial bacteraum growth. This not only helps establish a healthier aquarium ecosystem but also reduces the frequency of water changes
  • Enhanced Visual Experience: Features an enchanting 7-color LED lighting system, offering a wide spectrum of colors that you can fully customize. The ultra-high-definition UHA-grade glass boasts a 91.3% light transmission rate, bringing vivid aquatic beauty right before your eyes
  • Thoughtful Details: The flip-open, detachable top cover makes feeding and cleaning more convenient. The high-definition LED display clearly shows the time and temperature. Packaged in a beautiful box, it’s perfect for gifting to family and friends. We provide 2 years technical support, ensuring worry-free quality. Your satisfaction is our priority
Bestseller No. 3
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. 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
Small Fish Tank 2 Gallon Glass Aquarium Starter Kits, Desktop Betta Fish Tank Beta Fish Aquariums with Filter and Light for Betta Shrimp Guppy Jellyfish Goldfish Beta, Room Desktop Decor, Gifts
  • BEST GIFT CHOICE - This aquarium starter kit is a really great gift option for parents, friends, kids and family. It's suitable for both new and experienced fish keepers of all ages. It's perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving gifts.
  • GLASS FISH TANK - The small fish tank has gone through a crush test to make sure it's actually made of glass. If you don't think so, you can try to break it. We'll replace it for free. Crafted from Hot Bent Glass.
  • COLORFUL AQUARIUM - Colorful LED lights light up the small aquarium and make the fish and plants inside look even more beautiful. What a visual treat!
  • KEEP CRYSTAL CLEAR - You don't need to change the water too often. The self-cleaning system cuts down on the number of times you need to change the water in the aquarium.
  • GREAT HOME FOR SMALL FISH - This nano fish tank can hold bettas, guppies, mini parrotfish, shrimp, small fish, crabs, beta snails. It's ideal as a breeding box too.

Last update on 2025-04-24 / 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
Tetra BettaMin Worm Shaped Bites 0.98 Ounce, Complete Diet For Bettas
  • BETTA FORMULATION: Nutritionally balanced diet is an ideal daily staple food for your Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) or other top water-feeding tropical fish.
  • FLOATING WORM-SHAPED BITES: Mimics real bloodworms in size, shape and color.
  • COLOR ENHANCING: Includes added color enhancers to promote rich, beautiful coloration in your betta fish.
  • CLEAR WATER: Won’t cloud aquarium water when used as recommended.
  • age range description: adult
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
Tetra BloodWorms 0.25 Oz, Freeze-Dried Food for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish, Seafood (Pack of 1)
  • AQUARIUM DIET SUPPLEMENT: Freeze-dried bloodworms are a nutritious supplement to boost energy and conditioning in your aquarium fish.
  • FOR FRESHWATER & SALTWATER FISH: Perfect for bettas and ideal for small- to medium-sized tropical and marine fish.
  • SPECIALLY PROCESSED: Minimizes any undesirable organisms found in live bloodworms.
  • CHILD-SAFETY LID: Tetra BloodWorms should be kept out of reach of children.
  • USAGE: Feed 2 to 3 times a week in addition to staple diet, only as much as your fish can consume within a few minutes.
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 2025-04-09 / 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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[Revised and Updated for July, 2019]
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Written by Debra Hutchinson, founder of FishXperts