Bettas

Betta, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, scientific name Betta splendens.  bettas may be of any color but most commonly are red, blue, or turquoise. The color in males becomes more vivid when the fish is courting or otherwise aroused. The adult can measure about 1.5" to 2.5" in length. Like several related species, including the gourami, the betta does not obtain its entire oxygen supply from water but must periodically rise to the surface for air.

The male has the long flowing fins and the female has very short round fins. Male bettas are aggressive and even attack their own reflections in a mirror. DO NOT put a male betta in the same aquarium as another male betta. When bettas fight they take up a side-by-side position and begin a long series of swift attacking movements. Because their teeth are small, they nibble rather than bite, concentrating their attacks on the fins. Fights are sometimes interrupted while the fish swim to the surface to replenish their supply of oxygen. Although injuries to fins and scales sustained during battle are usually extensive, fighting fish generally recover completely in a few weeks, if not killed.

Caring for your Betta

Taking care of a betta is pretty simple. Depending on what you are keeping the betta in. If it is in a small bowl, you will want to change the water every 3-5 days, depending on the water conditions. You will want to treat the water using a chemical available from you local Pet Store that removes chlorine and other chemicals from the water, and one that adds a stress coat as well. You can feed your betta any type of betta food, or any type of freeze dried foods. Make sure you only feed them a little bit, and make sure you feed them every 1-2 days.

Your fish will always be happiest and healthiest in an aquarium with a filtration and aeration system. However, bettas, of all fish are probably the best type to keep in a bowl.

Compatibility

Bettas can be kept in community tanks with other fish. However they can't be kept with other bettas, gourami's, or any type of long finned fish. The most common fish kept with bettas are guppies, mollies, and platys. When you introduce your betta to new fish always keep a look out for bitten fins or excessive aggressiveness.

More Information

Get information on diseases of bettas at our 'Disease and Medicine' section.

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