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
Koller Products 3-Gallon 360 Aquarium with LED Lighting (7 Color Choices) and Power Filter, Ideal for a Variety of Tropical Fish,Crystal-Clear Clarity,AP360A-3FFP
  • FAMILY ENJOYMENT: Owning an aquarium can be a really fun and rewarding experience while providing many wellness benefits such stress relief, sleeping better at night and better productivity at work
  • 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 gallon per hour, effectively removing fish waste and debris; uses Koller Products XS replacement filter cartridges, B086GMHR1P, available on Amazon
  • OPTIMUM VIEWING: Constructed of impact-resistant plastic with crystal-clear clarity so good that most think it is made of glass; providing leak-proof assurance
  • EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner to advanced, easy to set up and maintain; ideal for a variety of tropical fish
Bestseller No. 2
Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 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
SaleBestseller No. 3
Betta Fish Tank Self Cleaning Glass 2 Gallon Small Nano Aquarium Starter Kits Desktop Room Decor w/LED Light Decorations & Whisper Filters Water Pump (Fish Tank)
  • [Easy to Set] - This small aquarium starter kits is easy to assemble, you can refer to the instructions as well as the video in the listing to learn the installation. The whole fish tank kit contains a 2 Gal. Glass fish tank, a 3 colors LED light, a quiet 3-in-1 aquarium filter, a small fish tank decorations. Suitable for breeding betta fish, shrimp, lobster, jellyfish crayfish, goldfish...
  • [Keep Crystal Clear] - The beta fish tank self cleaning has a quiet 3-in-1 filter to form a complete filtration system. It can reduce the number of water changes, so that the small fish are not irritated by frequent changes in the environment. And it keeps the tank Crystal clear and also add air.
  • [High Quality GLASS] - The fish tank is made of GLASS, only the black part is made of plastic. The glass fish tank is not easy to scratch, deformation, rounded side design on the front of the fish tank, no bumps and hurts, easy to clean, stable and durable.
  • [Room Decor] -The fish tanks is the great choice to decorate your room and decorate your office, to add color to your living and working environment. Pleasant mood as well as relaxing life. It will not disturb your work, life and sleep. Real tests, make the water pump fully immersed in the water, the pump's sound was below 35 DB.
  • [Great GIFT Idea] - The best choice of gifts for friends and family, can also be given to children aged 6-12 years old as a birthday gift ,simple and can develop children's hands-on skills, does NOT look cheap.
Bestseller No. 4
Penn-Plax Twin Betta Bow-Front Kit for Aquarium Blue, Green, Tank is 7.5" Across The Front, 6" Across The Back
  • THERE’S ROOM FOR TWO: The Double Betta Bowfront Tank Kit offers a safe and convenient way to house up to 2 Bettas in a single aquarium. This plastic tank features a removeable, double-sided divider with built-in slits for even water flow. You can remove the divider completely, giving more space to a single Betta.
  • SHOWCASE THOSE BEAUTIFUL COLORS: While keeping your Bettas safely separated, the double-sided divider is both opaque and see-though. If you wish to keep your fish from seeing one another, keep both sides of the wall down. If you wish to see some vibrant displays and flares from your Bettas, lift and remove the colored side of the partition.
  • UNIQUE FEATURES: Our double chamber Betta Bowfront Tank Kits come with waste absorbing Pro-V Crystals, a filter grid, and 2 plastic plants. They also feature a water release cap on the very bottom at the tank, which makes water changes that much easier. With a slight pinch, the E-Z Lift Lid gives you easy and instant access.
  • HELPFUL INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Wash all components with warm water only, and then spot dry with a clean towel or rag. 2) Place filter grid, waste adsorbing crystals, and plastic plants in tank, then fill with dechlorinated water. 3) Approximately once a week or as needed, drain about 20 percent of water by opening the water release cap, then fill with dechlorinated water.
  • MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 7.75 (W) x 3.5 (D) x 6 (H) / Each Chamber when Divided = 3.75 (W) x 3.5 (D) x 4.5 (H)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit 1 Gallon, Hexagon Shape, With Color-Changing Light Disc
  • Aquarium KIT Hexagon-shaped aquarium kit is perfect for betta fish
  • COLORFUL Bubbling disc automatically cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors
  • INCLUDES FILTER Includes air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter to keep your tank clean and provide a healthy environment for pet fish
  • AIR PUMP Drives both the bubbling disc and the filter
  • CONVENIENT Clear canopy has a hole for easy feeding

Last update on 2024-10-08 / 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
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
SaleBestseller No. 3
Aqueon PRO Pellet Fish Food 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
Bestseller No. 4
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
SaleBestseller No. 5
Tetra 16838 BettaMin Flakes, 0.81-Ounce,Blacks & Grays
  • BETTA FORMULATION: Nutritionally complete daily diet for your Siamese fighting fish (betta splendens).
  • COLOR-ENHANCING: Includes carotenoids to enhance your betta’s naturally brilliant colors.
  • FLAKE MEDLEY: Includes small, thin flakes with krill shrimp – formulated to maximize acceptance and intake.
  • PROCARE FORMULA: Helps support fish’s immune system for optimal health and long life.
  • FOR DAILY FEEDING: Feed 2 to 3 times daily, only as much as your fish can consume within several minutes.

Last update on 2024-10-08 / 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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Written by Debra Hutchinson, founder of FishXperts