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 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.

You can easily tell a male betta from a female. Males have longer tales and fins. Some people claim that the female colors are much more muted than males. This is not true. You can get females which have very dark and vibrant colors.

You should not keep male bettas in the same tank. Another Betta Fish Facts;Bettas can and do fight. Males living in the same tank will almost certainly have a dispute over territory. This fighting will lead to one of the fish being either hurt or killed. It is possible to keep males and females in the same tank. If you plan on doing this it is recommended that you have at least two females. A single female in a tank with a male may be subjected to constant harassment from the male. This constant stress may have a serious affect on the female. Males will nip and bite the female in an effort to attract her. This aggressive behavior can cause serious damage to the female’s fins. This situation may lead to the death of the female.

Bettas are quite happy to live on their own. However, you can keep a betta in a community tank. If you plan on doing this you must be careful. Bettas can be aggressive. They can also be the target of other fish living in the community. Many species of tropical fish will attack bettas and damage their long fins.

You have to make certain that you keep the water clean. Regular water maintenance is essential. You should change at least one third of the water every week. If you live in the city you should not add water directly from the tap. City water frequently contains a number of different chemicals that can cause harm to the fish. You should treat any water that you intend to introduce into the tank.

One of the things that every fish owner should have is a water testing kit. These kits are very similar to the ones that are used in pools and hot tubs.  You want to be able to test for pH levels and water hardness. You can get more elaborate kits that will check the water for various other conditions and elements in the water.

Bettas are truly beautiful fish.  If you do plan to buy one of these fish you should, as a responsible pet owner do more than just give your betta a place to live. Its a Betta Fish facts, that you should provide him an environment, where he can thrive as it will extend the life span.

I am giving some Betta fish facts in this article.  The betta fish is one of those fish that most aquarium owners have a love/hate relationship with. Although it is a beautiful fish, it can also be an aggressive one, with the male of some breeds being so aggressive that they will even attack their own reflections. Nonetheless the fish has an interesting history, making it one of the perennially popular tank fishes.

betta fish facts

More Betta fish facts:

The name comes from “ikan bettah”, as the fish was called in its original home of Thailand. It was originally wild in Malay and Cambodia, where its colors only showed up when it was agitated. Since then it has been elevated to the “Jewel of the Orient” due to its wide range of colors. The fish has been bred for a spectrum of colors and aggressiveness. It ranges from fish that can do reasonably well in captivity, provided that the males are housed separately to fish used in fighting matches that can win its owner a decent purse. The colors range from a wide variety of bright colors; there is even an albino breed of betta. Although wild fish only show these colors when agitated, breeders have been able to make these colorations part of their normal coloration in aquarium fish. Metallic colors are available, and females have been bred in the same, if subdued, colors as the male, even though they do not have the same showiness.

The fish’s aggressiveness is legendary. S.E. Hinton’s book “Rumble Fish” is named after a particular pair of fish in the book. The fish are the only colored items in the Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of the book. In the Bond novel “From Russia With Love”, they underscore the villain’s point about his organization SPECTRE. Blofeld shows Bond the fish, and points out that if three betta fight, one will back off and then attack the surviving, tired fish as an analogy to the Unites States and Russia fighting, and then SPECTRE eliminating the survivor.

Betta fish facts | Conclusion

The betta continues to be one of the most popular fish in home aquariums. Although its predilection towards attacking other fish is well-known, its colors make it popular among breeders and collectors, adding just that little added dash of color that makes for a well-balanced tank.  These are some fascinating Betta fish facts.

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.