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

Bestseller No. 1
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. 2
Koller Products AquaView 2-Gallon Plastic 360 Aquarium with Power Filter & LED Lighting for Tropical Fish - Betta Fish
  • TRENDY DESIGN: Ideal for your tropical fish, this trendy aquarium will look good wherever you place it, easy to set up and easy to maintain.
  • DAZZLING COLORS: Energy-efficient LED lighting with 7 dazzling color selections to brightly illuminate your fish, choose daylight white, blue, green, amber, aqua, purple, or red.
  • COMPLETE FILTRATION: Powerful internal power filter cleans and purifies aquarium water at a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour effectively removing organic pollutants including discoloration, odors, heavy metals, and toxic gases. Uses Koller Products XS replacement filter cartridges (AQ05FC-30), available on Amazon.
  • OPTIMUM VIEWING: Crystal-clear clarity so good that most think it's glass, constructed of impact-resistant plastic providing leak-proof assurance.
  • DIMENSIONS: 10.2 DIA x 10.5 H Inches. Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for the Installation
SaleBestseller No. 3
Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Blue, 1 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 GloFish Betta Aquarium Kit 1.5 Gallons, Easy Setup and Maintenance, Perfect Starter Tank,Black/Clear
  • STARTER KIT: Includes all the essentials for success, starting with a 1.5-gallon aquarium with clear plastic canopy
  • INCLUDES: Black pedestal base, black aquarium background, aquarium light with 8 eye-catching blue LEDs, low-voltage power adapter and a Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter with small cartridge
  • EASY SETUP: This colorful aquarium is perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike
  • BLUE LED LIGHTS: Brilliant blue LED lights give GloFish betta fish and accessories a uniquely fluorescent look, particularly in dark settings
  • BRINGING COLOR TO LIFE: GloFish fluorescent fish and products create a complete underwater fluorescent experience
SaleBestseller No. 5
YCTECH 1.2 Gallon Betta Aquarium Starter Kits Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump Black (320black)
  • 🐳 This 1.2 gallon semicircular fish tank can raise betta, angel fish, guppy and other ornamental fish. It is suitable for bedroom, living room, study and office, etc. The fish tank is equipped with 5W LED light and two decorative plastic aquatic plants. It will look great wherever you place it. Choose our fish tank, show your taste.
  • 🐳 This betta fish tank is made of impact-resistant acrylic with crystal-clear clarity. Beautiful arc design, both decoration and practicality. The one-piece construction providing superior strength and durability. Unlike glass tanks glued together with silicone, this small aquarium puts to rest any worries or concerns about possible leaks.
  • 🐳 The aquarium starter kit is equipped with 5W filter pump. High-efficiency and energy-saving motor, quiet operation. It can complete a water cycle within a few minutes, create superior water environment for fish and make fish much livelier.
  • 🐳 Adding fun to life: With this small fish tank, you can enjoy the fun of fish farming, let you have a very interesting and rewarding experience, and is an ideal way to teach your children the responsibility of raising pets. This mini fish tank is portable and compact, which is an excellent gift choice for festival or birthday.
  • 🐳 24-hour professional after-sales service. Comes with a 12-month warranty; If you have any questions about the goods you received, please feel free to contact us.

Last update on 2023-09-01 / 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
TetraBetta PLUS Floating Mini Pellets, Fish Food With Natural Color Enhancer, 1.2 ounces
  • 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.
  • FOR DAILY FEEDING: Premium diet high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids for energy and growth.
  • COLOR ENHANCING: Includes natural color enhancers to promote the development of rich, beautiful coloration in your betta fish.
  • FLOATING CRISPS: Blend of tiny, colorful floating crisps for top-water feeders.
  • CLEAR WATER: Advanced clear water formula helps maintain water clarity.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Aqueon Pro Foods Betta Formula 1.4 oz
  • Nutritionally balanced for Betta
  • Developed around a betta's natural diet
  • Pellets float to allow for surface feeding
  • Contains color enhancers for vibrancy
  • Ideal for Betta, Gouramis and Paradise Fish
SaleBestseller No. 3
Tetra 16838 BettaMin Flakes, 0.81-Ounce,Blacks & Grays
  • This Specialized Combination Of Small, Thin Red Flakes And Freeze Dried Brine Shrimp Is Formulated To Maximize Acceptance And Intake.
  • Blended With Patented Procure For Optimal Health.
  • Does not cloud water.
  • This specialized combination of small, thin red flakes and freeze dried brine shrimp is formulated to maximize acceptance and intake.
  • Blended with patented ProCare for optimal health.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Ultra Fresh Betta Fish Food, Betta 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. 5
Hikari Betta Bio-Gold Baby Pellets Fish Food Bundle Bonus Pack 3 Pack
  • Scientifically Developed Diet For All Types Of Bettas
  • Optimally Balanced Nutrition Bettas Require
  • Contains Ingredients Uniquely Beneficial To Bettas
  • Color Enhancing Diet
  • Perfectly Sized Pellet

Last update on 2023-09-01 / 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