Betta fish facts: Caring For A Male Betta Fish

Caring for a male betta fish is much easier that some aquarium species, as long as owners keep some simple tips in mind. Also known as the Chinese fighting fish, the male is very aggressive and territorial.

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.

Betta Fish Diseases – Can Take The Zeal Out Of Them

You can take a lot of pride in a Betta fish if it is of sound health, the problem begins to brewif it contracts a Betta Fish Disease. Too many factors weigh in while deciding the health of your Betta fish; the atmosphere of a tank, its pH level, its temperature gradient, water purity and of course, any preexisting or congenital illness in the specie.

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.