Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)

Overview

The Betta (Betta splendens) is one of the most popular and most mis-housed aquarium fish. Often sold in tiny cups and bowls, the Betta is actually a tropical fish requiring a heated filtered tank - and it lives 3-5 years with proper care, compared to the typical 6 months in bowls.

Natural History

Native to Thailand and surrounding regions. Lives in shallow standing water - rice paddies, slow streams. Males are intensely territorial and fight to the death in the wild; the species is bred for fighting in Thailand for centuries.

Appearance

Adults 6-8 cm length. Males: long flowing fins in brilliant colours - red, blue, white, multicolour, marble, koi. Females: shorter fins, less dramatic colours.

Tail varieties: veiltail, crowntail, halfmoon, plakat, double tail, dumbo (ear-fin), and many more.

Temperament & Tankmates

Males are aggressive to other males - strict no - and often to females except during brief breeding. Avoid:

• Other Bettas (males).
• Fish with long fins (mistaken for rivals - Guppies, Angelfish).
• Fin-nippers (Tiger Barbs).

Acceptable tankmates: small peaceful fish (Corydoras, Otocinclus, Neon Tetras in some cases), nerite snails, shrimp (some Bettas eat shrimp).

Female Bettas can sometimes live in groups ("sororities") but require careful setup.

Tank Size & Setup

Minimum: 20 L (5 gallon) for one Betta. This is the modern standard - old bowls and "Betta cups" are inadequate.

Provide:

• Gentle filter (Bettas don't tolerate strong flow).
• Heater (set to 25-27°C).
• Live or silk plants.
• Caves and hiding spots.
• Lid (Bettas are jumpers).

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 25-27°C.
• pH: 6.8-7.2.
• Soft to moderately soft water.

Diet

Carnivorous. Quality Betta pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily.

Health & Lifespan

3-5 years.

Common concerns:

• Fin rot.
• Velvet (parasite).
• Dropsy.
• Swim bladder disorder.
• Constipation - fast for a day, feed pea.
• Ich.

Pros & Cons

Pros: brilliant colours, small tank suitable, interactive personality, long-finned beauty. Cons: widely mis-housed in pet shops, short lifespan if poorly kept, aggressive with most tankmates.