Betta Fish are one of the most popular fish available in North America. People who are new to the world of tropical fish are frequently attracted to bettas because they do not involve a lot of care. They are often displayed, in stores in extremely small containers. Bettas can live in these conditions, but if you want your fish to be happy and to live a long life there are a number of things that you need to know.

Betta fish are commonly referred to as Siamese Fighting fish. These beautiful fish have been bred in Asia for hundreds of years. They were bred for both their color and for their fighting ability. Wild betta fights will normally end when one of the fish backs away. These matches usually last only a couple of minutes before one of the males acknowledges the other’s superiority. In captivity these bouts will go on for much longer. This fighting became a popular pastime where spectators could wager on the outcome of the match. It was this activity that inspired people in Asia to develop detailed breeding programs.

There are several breeds of bettas that you can obtain at most pet stores. There are Halfmoons, Veils, Comb and Crowns and about ten other breeds. The color and breed will affect the price of the fish. Bettas that are sold in pet stores usually sell for between 2 and 10 dollars. The more exotic and rare breeds will fetch hundreds of dollars.

The average betta fish life span in captivity is two to three years. Although, this is the general rule, some fish have been known to live over seven years. When you buy a betta fish, chances are that he is at least six months old if not older. Another betta fish facts is that bettas do not require a heater in the tank. They are happy to live in water that is between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  This temperature can be maintained in normal household conditions. However, be certain that the fish’s home is not close to either a window or an outside door. Either one of these elements can cause changes in the water temperature.

Betta is one of the most attractive varieties of fresh-water fish species with colorful bodies and elegant looking fins. This breed which holds the ability to breathe oxygen from both air and water is increasingly preferred for use in aquariums, especially, in homes. It is basically a carnivorous variety that feeds on live mosquito larvae, water insects, and zooplankton.  In addition, it can be fed frozen or dried Betta Fish Food like Daphnia, glassworms, plankton, beef heart, tubifex, and brine shrimp. However, it is essential to keep staple supplements always on stock as the breed takes more than a week to get used to new products.

betta fish bowl

Combination pellets is another food variety that includes a blend of mashed shrimp and bloodworms. This can be easily purchased from pet stores and enables to improve the overall immune system and color of the fish. Some of the popular brands include Hikari Betta’s Biogold pellet and Bay Brand, which is primarily a kind of chilled dried bloodworms.

Tips to provide betta fish food:

The foremost tip is to offer flakes and pellets as it facilitates to meet the nutritional requirements of the fish. In addition, it is important to avoid overfeeding as it could serious health problems like gastrointestinal problems, swim-bladder disease and constipation. It would be perfect to feed only three times a day which can be done at a stretch or by dividing the feeding time all through the day. It is highly recommended to give food in smaller quantities.

Likewise, it would be best to keep away from feeding once in a week to help it clear its gastrointestinal tracts. The diet can be varied by providing live food fruit flies, bloodworms etc. However, it would be beneficial to feed special type of treats only about 1-2 times in a week. The other major factor is to drop the foodstuffs in front of the betta to prevent if from hunting for the same. Incase the item is not eaten within 15 minutes it would be good to remove the product and tested later. It is thus very much necessary to take proper care and offer the right amount of betta fish food to maintain the longevity of your pefish.

This is why two males may fight, when placed in a tank together. They can be placed with other fish and can do well in a communal aquarium. As long as there are no other male bettas, they cause little trouble. Some species they may get along well with are tetras, mollies and gold fish. All those breeds are fairly docile and are usually smaller than bettas. They can get along with females, but may still be aggressive with unfamiliar fish.

Male Betta Fish bowl aquarium

When place the showy fish in a tank with others, it should not contain males of species known to be aggressive. Bettas can actually be picked on, though they are known for being aggressive. The betta can also be placed in a simple aquarium, by itself. There is no need for a filtration system or fancy lighting. They will do just as well in a single, round bowl.

These creatures are beautiful to watch and can provide plenty of entertainment. The Male Betta Fish flares or shows off his feathery tail, when threatened. Families who cannot have other pets or who simply want a pet that is low maintenance, can consider this species as a viable option. There are no additional costs for maintaining such a fish, other than food.

This creature can make a suitable pet for a college student, teen or younger child. Smaller children can learn about care and feeding, without feeling overwhelmed. A small amount of fish flakes daily provides plenty of nutrients. Bettas like to swim around obstacles and aquarium plants, like other fish. An occasional cleaning of the bowl is the only additional care the Male Betta Fish will need.

Most pet stores that carry a variety of aquarium species will carry bettas. Sometimes they can be found at carnivals as well. When the fish arrives at his new destination, he should  be acclimated to the bowl slowly, while also adding the water that he came in.

If you find that your fish is turning lethargic or it is lacking energy to come up to the tank surface, you should catch a hint that something is not very sound with your Betta. To add, if its appetite gets disturbed and it begins to develop red grills around its body, you must consult an expert without wasting any time. Betta fish diseases may not sound like a big thing but they certainly take the sting out of your loved pet.

betta fish diseases

Fungal infection is one of the most common threats to your Betta. It develops white cotton like lumps all over its head and upper body part. Most often, this symptom comes with a rapid discoloration of its skin and scales and a strong fall of its appetite. The Betta also becomes quite lazy and abhors to come up to the surface on such occasions. If you find it speeding towards rocks and plants in an aquarium and creating gashes and scratches on their surface, you may even get your pet checked for ICK disease.

If you have heard about the cartoon character Popeye, you must know about the Popeye disease in a Betta fish. Yes, just as you thought, the malady causes both the eyes of your fish to bulge out considerably. In a short duration, the bulge becomes rather scary.

Dropsy is one of the most lethal diseases your Betta can suffer from. Its symptoms often develop fatal complications and does not give your pet too much of a chance. A Betta suffering from Dropsy is likely to exhibit a protruded belly region and sharply raised scales. If the scales develop lesions and rashes, you should begin harboring the worst thoughts for your loved Betta.

Unlike other fish, a betta fish prefers to live in a fishbowl without a filter. These animals can breathe air in addition to water, so they can survive in a smaller bowl. A temperature of between seventy and eighty degrees Fahrenheit must be maintained. Water that is too hot or too cold can shorten the betta’s life. Do not place the bowl near a window, heat vent, or any appliances, since these can heat up the temperature of the water. Most importantly, only keep one betta per fishbowl. Also known as “fighting fish,” these animals are highly territorial and will fight to the death if two males are kept together.

betta fish life span

Feeding him correctly is very important, and the right diet can lengthen the Betta Fish Life Span. Pet stores carry specialty betta food, which is likely freeze-dried blood worms. Only feed the fish two to three times a day, and only give him as much food as he will eat in a minute or two. Feeding him too much will make him sick, and thus shorten his life.

The bowl must be cleaned once a week, or when it begins to look cloudy. Allow the new water to sit for twenty-four hours before changing it. Tap water contains treatment chemicals that will dissipate if left sitting in an open contain for a day. Use a mild soap to wash the fishbowl, and be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Keep the betta in a small bowl of his old water while the fishbowl is being cleaned.

To gain the greatest betta fish life span provide some mental stimulation, hold a mirror up to his bowl. His gill coverings will expand, making him seem bigger. A snail or an African Dwarf Frog can be added as bowl mates. However, a larger fishbowl is needed to accumulate these animals. Also consider adding a plant for the betta to hide behind.

Proper care can improve the betta fish life span. Environment, nutrition, and mental stimulation will keep him thriving.

Remember that it is only good quality betta fish food that will work. While you can avail them on the internet, you might also check for discounts and coupon codes if you plan to buy in bulk. Storage, however, can be an area of concern, unless you have dark basement rooms or secure areas where light is scanty or absent. Regulation of food habits is necessary, so that you can tell when your female betta fish has started laying eggs needing more nutrition than normal.

female betta fish

A bulging of the belly is usually noticeable once the fishes are about to deliver. You will need to ensure strict care routines during this period. After the baby Female Betta Fish is born, you will need to systematically increase the amounts. Getting an idea of the right measures is easy once you start with excess of what you presume will be the right amount.

Getting your betta fish to find a healthy environment is one of the primary steps that you must ensure. Without it, feeding and health maintenance will become most difficult. Before you choose the right male partner for using the female betta to breed, you will need to clear yourself of all doubts that the aggression is optimally challenging.

Since male betta fishes tend to bruise their partners while mating, especially while conceiving after the eggs have just come to life, it is vital that you change the partnerships before things get worse. While that can mean replacing the male or the female, you may consider consulting specialists for knowing which female betta fish is able to sustain aggression from the present male.

Stay warned that the fish food market may be all clean, but all products are not for all fishes.

These are some of the Female Betta Fish facts.