Betta- Facts and Info

[DanioFish03]

Bettas are graceful, and easy to take care of. Bettas are a very popular type of fish to keep as a pet. They come in a variety of colors, and they are available in any pet store. These fish are very agressive, and must be kept solitary. Bettas come from Asia. They are also sometimes called Japanese Fighting fish, for those who are not familiar with 'Betta'.
Bettas do not require much care, nor large tanks. You can clean out their tanks. bowls, etc. only about once a month at the most. They don't really need large tanks. A small to medium fish bowl will do them good.
They simply will eat Betta Pellets, a type of small pellet that will float on the surface of their tank or bowl. If they are hungry, they'll just simply come to the top and eat them, but if the Pellets are not eaten soon enough, they will float to the bottom.
Bettas enjoy decoration in their tanks. But make sure not to over do it. You can add real or fake plants to their aqaurium, and some gravel, rocks, or marbles. Bettas commonly come in blue, pink, red, yellow, and others. A few rare, albino Bettas can be bought, but are more expensive.


Enjoy!

 

[HN1]

This is far too vague and inaccurate. First of all, they do not belong in a bowl and keeping them in less than 2.5G with filtered and heated water is unethical IMO. Secondly, water should be changed according to the tested parameters of the tank and "once a month" is negligent. There are also many types of betta that are seldom seen in stores and have very different traits. Please research before you advise.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Bettas slendens are aggressive towards other bettas. Most males IME can be kept with other non-nippy community fish such as neon, ember and rummynose tetras, harlequin and chilli rasboras, cories, ottos, etc. Of course this depends on the fishes individual personality. Never should two males be kept in the same tank without a secure divider. Female sororities can be kept but can be difficult to maintain. To increase chances of them coexisting peacefully it's recommended to have 6+ females and it helps if they are sisters from the same spawn.

In many countries bettas are know as 'Siamese fighting fish'. This name came about because people of their native country used them to fight each other. This practice is unethical and should NEVER be practiced.

Bettas require as much care as any other tropical fish. They need a miniumum 2.5g/10L aquarium with clean water and a heater. They thrive at a temperature of 80F/27C. A filter is not required if you are willing to change water more frequently to keep parameters in check but a one is recommended. When using a filter on your betta tank it's advised to devise a baffle to disperse the water leaving the surface almost still. Airstones are advised against. A betta will take breaths from the surface of the water so access to the top of the water must be available at all times.

A high quality floating betta pellet is recommended. IMO two or three 1-2mm pellets should be fed 6 days a week. Brine shrimp and blood worms can be fed but can cause bloating and constipation if feed too much or often. Most recommend feeding a 1/4 of a blanched pea once a week to prevent this. Bettas are prone to bloating so care must be taken not to over feed. Any uneaten food must be removed from the tank so it does not sink to the bottom and rot.

Providing cover for bettas makes them feel more at ease. Large leafed plants like some anubias and java ferns make perfect betta hammocks and they will rest in them frequently. If using fake decor make sure there are no sharp edges. A bettas fins are easily snagged and ripped on sharp edges. To prevent this run all decor over a stocking to check for snags then remove sharp edges with a nail file.

 

[RedNeck]

I just put my new Betta in a 10gal. by himself with a 10gal. aqueon HOB(kinda cheap but flow is low for Mr. B!) and a 50w heater. I had him in a 1gal with filter but couldnt bare to see him in there and I had a hard time with water parameters.