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
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
Bestseller No. 2
Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit 1 Gallon, Hexagon Shape, With Color-Changing Light Disc,Green (Packaging may vary) , 1 gallon (7.5 x 7.5 x 7.7")
  • 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
SaleBestseller No. 3
ERAARK Smart Aquarium kit 1.5 Gallon Betta Fish Tank self Cleaning, Supports Bluetooth, Fish Tank with Filter LED Light, Decorations Hideaway Rock Cave, Water Pump,Fish Bowl
  • 🐠【Adjustable light color through APP】 This is a smart aquarium that allows you to adjust the color of the light through the APP. You can choose red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and other light colors. This not only promotes the growth of fish, but also makes the underwater world more colorful.The light is soft, which can protect the eyes and fish, and prevent the viewer and the fish from feeling discomfort due to the stroboscopic effect.
  • 🐠【Background Decoration】There are ocean, lighthouse and forest three backgrounds board and an aquarium hideaway rock cave for aquatic pets to breed, play and rest. The background board is made of high-quality ABS material, which is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, waterproof and non-fading. Brilliant colors create a colorful underwater world for your aquarium.
  • 🐠【Multiple Filtration-Fish Tank Self Cleaning】 The aquarium filter uses physical filtration to improve the filtration effect. Multiple filter cotton can filter impurities and fish manure, improve water quality, and ensure a clean aquatic environment in the aquarium.The filter can generate abundant bubbles and water flow to provide sufficient oxygen for the fish.
  • 🐠【Ecological concept of water cycle】Plants are very important for water purification.You can plant hydroponic plants in the green plant space above the aquarium. The design of the aquarium utilizes the ecological concept of plants and aquarium water circulation, which reduces the tedious work of changing water.
  • 🐠【Great gifts and decorations】This fish tank can be used as a decoration for bedrooms, living rooms and offices.The Aquarium is packaged beautifully which makes it a perfect gift for kids, family and friends on birthdays and Christmas.
Bestseller No. 4
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. 5
Small Fish Tank 2 Gallon Glass Aquarium Starter Kits Self Cleaning w/Colorful LED Light for Betta Shrimp Guppy Jellyfish Goldfish Beta,Room Decor Desktop, Gifts
  • 🍃KEEP CRYSTAL CLEAR - The complete filter system makes the whole fish tank self-cleaning and forms a water circulation system to keep the fish tank crystal clear. Reduce the number of water changes in the fish tank.
  • 🌈DAZZLING COLORS - Colorful lights shine in the small aquarium, making the fish and plants more beautiful. A visual feast is presented.
  • 💎100% MADE OF GLASS - The small fish tank crush test done is indeed made of glass. If you think it is not, you can try to break it and we replace it for free.
  • 🎁BEST GIFT CHOOSING -Great gift idea for parents friends children family him her mom... This aquarium starter kits for first-time and experience fish keepers of all ages.
  • 🐟GREAT HOME FOR SMALL FISH - You can keep betta, guppy, mini parrot fish, shrimp, small fish, crabs, beta, and snails in this nano fish tank Or use it as a fish breeding box.

Last update on 2024-04-09 / 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

SaleBestseller 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
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.
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
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

Last update on 2024-04-09 / 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