Betta Fish
Complete Care Guide for Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), are among the most recognisable and beloved freshwater aquarium fish. Known for their vivid colours, flowing fins, and strong personalities, Bettas have captivated aquarists for generations.
Originating from the shallow rice paddies, floodplains, and slow-moving streams of Southeast Asia—primarily Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—Betta fish are uniquely adapted to low-oxygen waters. They possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling survival in conditions that would be lethal to many other fish.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Betta splendens
- Common Name: Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Size: Up to 7.5 cm (3 inches)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years (can live up to 7 with excellent care)
- Temperament: Territorial, especially males
- Tank Level: Top to mid-water
Appearance
Bettas come in an incredible range of colours and tail types including veil tail, halfmoon, crown tail, plakat (short-fin), and more. Their colouration ranges from metallic blues and reds to pastels, multicolours, and even koi patterns. Males are typically more vibrant than females and possess longer, more ornate fins.
Behaviour and Compatibility
Male Betta fish are highly territorial and must never be kept with other males. Fights can be fatal. Females are more social and can sometimes live in sororities (groups of 4 or more), but only with care and proper space.
In community tanks, choose calm, non-fin-nipping tank mates and provide enough hiding spots. Avoid bright or fast-moving fish such as barbs or guppies with fancy fins, which may trigger aggression.
Good Tank Mates:
- Peaceful snails (e.g., Nerite or Mystery snails)
- Small, calm bottom dwellers like Corydoras catfish
- Ember tetras or rasboras (in large, well-planted tanks)
Ideal Water Parameters
While Bettas are hardy, they still need stable, clean water within the following parameters to thrive:
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) | Must use a heater; Bettas are tropical fish |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | Neutral is ideal, but a slight variation is tolerated |
| Hardness (dGH) | 5–20 dGH | Moderately soft to moderately hard water |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm | Extremely toxic – must be zero |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm | Also toxic – use regular water testing |
| Nitrate | < 20 ppm | Lower is better – achieved with water changes and plants |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 litres (5 gallons) | Ideal size is 30+ litres (7.5+ gallons) |
| Lighting | Moderate | 8–10 hours daily with a regular day/night cycle |
| Water Flow | Low | Bettas struggle with strong currents |
Aquarium Setup
Creating a comfortable environment for your Betta is key to longevity and mental stimulation.
- Tank Size: A minimum of 20 litres is required, but more space allows for enrichment and tank mates
- Heater: Essential – Bettas are sensitive to cold water
- Filter: Sponge filters or gentle-flow internal filters are best
- Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel
- Decor: Live plants (Java fern, Anubias, Amazon swords), driftwood, and caves for hiding
- Floating Plants: Help mimic their natural habitat and reduce light intensity
Feeding
Bettas are carnivorous and benefit from a varied, high-protein diet. Avoid overfeeding as they are prone to bloating and constipation.
Diet Recommendations:
- Main diet: Betta-specific pellets (floating or sinking)
- Treats: Live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia
- Feeding frequency: 1–2 small meals per day; fasting one day a week can aid digestion
Common Health Problems
Watch for signs of illness such as clamped fins, dull colour, bloating, or lethargy. The most common health issues include:
- Fin rot: Often caused by poor water quality
- Swim bladder disorder: Affects buoyancy; usually linked to diet or constipation
- Ich (white spot disease): Parasitic infection caused by stress or poor conditions
Maintain high water quality and quarantine new additions to avoid introducing disease.
Breeding Bettas
Breeding Betta fish is rewarding but requires preparation and care:
- Male builds bubble nest at the water surface
- Introduce conditioned female in a separate container inside the tank
- Spawning: The male wraps around the female and collects eggs into the nest
- Remove female post-spawning – the male guards the nest
- Fry hatch in 24–48 hours; male can be removed once fry are free-swimming
Final Thoughts
Betta fish are stunning, intelligent, and full of personality. When cared for properly, they will thrive and reward you with engaging behaviour and vibrant colouration. A suitable tank, clean water, high-quality diet, and attention to their social needs are the keys to keeping your Betta happy and healthy.
