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Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish

Pet Rating System:  1= Lowest   5 = Highest

Betta	1	2	3	4	5
Ease Of Care
Temperament
Intelligence
Cost of Upkeep
Lifespan

Overall Rating:   

Caring For Your New Betta

Bettas, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish or Fighting Fish, are originally from the Far East.  These tropical freshwater beauties are often the first step into the fish hobby.  A betta's inexpensive price, easy upkeep and amazing color help keep them at the top of popularity.  These fish deserve our rating of 4 stars because of their hardiness (not susceptible to ich or other diseases), low cost and lots of fun.

Housing - Bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they use an organ called a labyrinth to breathe air.  This is why they can be kept in those tiny "betta bowls" at pet stores.  While bettas do fine in a "betta bowl", we recommend investing in a larger filtered system for optimum health.  Important:  The smaller the bowl, the more water changes are needed.  Always use a dechlorinator when adding new water.  If you purchase one of those tiny, round "betta bowls", you will need to change the water at least twice per week.  If you purchase a larger 2.5 gallon, water changes once per week are necessary.  Adding a filter system helps to reduce the amount of water changes.  We recommend at least a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter system.  This will also allow you to provide a mini heater.  Your betta's water should never fall below 75 degrees.  A constant temperature around 78 degrees is best.  Often bettas are displayed or sold with live plants...in the wild this is how bettas protect themselves by living among plants and roots for hiding...be sure to offer plants for hiding.

Food - Your local pet store will have an assortment of frozen, live and flake food.  Choose a good quality betta flake designed especially for bettas.  You can supplement your betta's diet with bloodworms and brine shrimp.   The most common problem with keeping bettas is overfeeding causing toxic water.  Your betta only needs to be fed once per day and just a pinch.  

Male bettas should always be kept separately from other male bettas.  They will fight to the death.  One male can be kept in a community tank with other fish but can be aggressive to other tank mates or may be have its tail eaten.  They are best admired by themselves.  Females can be kept together and in a community tank but are territorial.

Common problems with Bettas include; their ability to jump right out of those small little "betta bowls".   The more room they have the better.  Bettas are a very hardy fish, but are susceptible to fungus because of the often dirty water conditions that develop from a tank that has no filter system.  This is easily combated by providing frequent water changes or a filter system.

We have found that our bettas do best in an area of your home where there is lots of activity.  Believe it or not, your betta will quickly learn who feeds it and will even interact with you by following and "asking" for food.

Visit our New Tank set-up for your new aquarium

More websites with Betta care:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1918&articleid=2340

http://www.deepbluebettas.com/BettaCare.shtml

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DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care.  If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.