Betta Fish Care, Aquarium Setup, Breeding, Tank Mates, Feeding / Complete Guide For Betta Fish

Betta

 betta splendens

Bettas are known for their jewel-bright colors and spectacular fins and come in a wide variety of morphs. They have been referred to as Siamese fighting fish due to the male betta’s extreme aggressiveness toward other bettas.



Betta Facts

Average Adult Size2 1/2 inches long, not including tailAverage Life Spanup to 3 years with proper careDietcarnivoreMinimum Aquarium Size1/4+ gallonsWater Temperature:72-82°F

Diet

A well-balanced Betta diet consists of:

A variety of flakes, pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and frozen food to ensure complete nutrition.

Feeding

Things to remember when feeding your Betta:

Feed sparingly and no more than fish can eat in 1 to 2 minutes; overfeeding can quickly foul the water, especially in smaller, unfiltered aquariums.

Thaw frozen foods before feeding.

Baby bettas require a smaller pellet or finely crushed flake food when when feeding.

Housing

Keep in an appropriately sized aquarium. Bettas must be able to breathe from the surface of the water. They prefer water with little or no current.

Male bettas are kept individually and do best in habitats of one liter (approximately a quarter of a gallon) or larger. Male bettas can live successfully in a community tank that does not have aggressive fish (such as tiger barbs) or fish that bettas may become aggressive toward (such as fancy guppies). Female bettas may be housed with other community fish or other female bettas.

Stable water quality and parameters are critical to the health of aquatic life. If you are unsure of your water quality, Petco provides free water testing.

Characteristics

Bettas breathe from the water’s surface with their labyrinth organ in addition to their gills.

Bettas will “flare” fins when threatened or disturbed and to show aggression.

Male bettas will attack other male bettas and males have also been known to attack similar-looking fish and fish with flowing fins.

Habitat Maintenance

Daily: check filter, water temperature and other equipment (if used).

Weekly: check water quality at least once a week. Do a 50% water change for small habitats (less than 2 gallons) once a week. In larger aquariums, change 10 to 25% of the total volume of water every 2 to 4 weeks, or more often as needed.

Compatibility

Male bettas must be kept in individual tanks or be the only betta in a community aquarium. Female bettas can be kept in a community tank. Do not keep male and female bettas together.

Health

Signs of a Healthy Fish

Active and alert

Eats regularly

Vibrant colors (males only)

Reacts aggressively to outside stimulus

Avoid overcrowded conditions, which are a major cause of stress and disease. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration.

Red Flags

loss of color or appetite

spots or fungus on body or mouth

cloudy eyes

elevated scales

unnaturally frayed fins

listlessness

labored respirations

erratic swimming

weight loss

bloating

Common Health Issues

Health IssueFin rotSymptoms or CausesFrayed or disintegrating fins; the base of the fins usually reddens.Suggested ActionImprove water quality; consult your veterinarian for treatment.Health IssueFungusSymptoms or CausesWhite cottony growth and/or discoloration of the eyes.Suggested ActionQuarantine fish; use a commercial antifungal remedy as directed.Health IssueBacterial infectionsSymptoms or CausesCloudy eyes, open sores and/or reddening of the skin.Suggested ActionImprove water quality; use a commercial antibacterial remedy as directed.Health IssueIchSymptoms or CausesWhite spots appear on fins and body; fish rubs against hard objects or swims awkwardly. Rapid respirations.Suggested ActionQuarantine fish immediately; use commercial ich remedy as directed.

Shopping list for needed supplies:

appropriate size aquarium

appropriate food, dry and frozen

décor

water conditioner

net

freshwater substrate

book about bettas

5 Best Tank Mates for Betta Fish

Kuhli Loaches. These eel-like oddball fish grow to about 3.5 inches long and are great scavengers for picking up any excess food your betta drops. …

Ember Tetras. …

Malaysian Trumpet Snails. …

Harlequin Rasboras. …

Cory Catfish.

Original Source Link