But the truth is that they're not as hardy and easy to care for as many believe. Betta fish — also called Siamese fighting fish — are tropical fish native to Southeast Asia. Especially prevalent in Thailand, wild bettas typically live in rice paddies and other shallow, stagnant bodies of water.
Are Siamese fighting fish good for beginners?
Betta fish (also known as Betta splendens or the Siamese fighting fish) are a long-time favorite pet for both beginner and veteran fish keepers because of their colorful finnage and spirited personalities.
Is it hard to take care of a Siamese fighting fish?
Siamese fighting fish are intelligent fish and require an interesting and varied environment . They originate from densely vegetated areas and tend to prefer a tank with several plants, real or artificial, and/or other forms of cover in which to explore, rest and hide if they feel threatened.
How many Siamese fighting fish can you have in a tank?
Two male Siamese fighting fish will fight to protect territory and should never be placed in the same tank . Females will often be more peaceful together and with other peaceful fish species, however, they have the potential to be aggressive on occasion.
What kind of fish can live with a betta?
- Kuhli Loaches. These eel-like oddball fish grow to about 3.5 inches long and are great scavengers for picking up any excess food your betta drops. ...
- Ember Tetras. ...
- Malaysian Trumpet Snails. ...
- Harlequin Rasboras. ...
- Cory Catfish.
How many years can a betta fish live?
2 – 5 yearsDo betta fish need a bubbler?
Betta fish are labyrinth breathers, which allows them to take in oxygen from the water and the surface of the tank. Its labyrinth organ is ideal for living in small amounts of water and tanks without an air stone or bubbler .
What is too hot for a betta fish?
Although betta fish can tolerate temperatures ranging between 72-86o F (22-30o C) , if the water is outside of their ideal range, they're just surviving — not thriving. It's kind of like when you go into a hot sauna, or when are outside in the frigid cold: you're alive, but you're not comfortable.
What size tank does a betta need?
Bettas need an aquarium with a filter that is at least three gallons . Set up their new home at least one day before they arrive. The minimum size of the aquarium will depend on how many fish you have. For just a betta, the tank should be a minimum of 3 gallons.
Are Siamese fighting fish the same as betta fish?
What's in a Name? While you may see bettas referred to as “Siamese fighting fish” or “labyrinth fish,” their scientific name is Betta splendens . No matter what they're called, these fish are sensitive and complex individuals who suffer greatly when exploited in the pet trade.
Can two betta fish live together?
Can two betta fish live together? Yes. You can keep two bettas together, provided they are not both male . Keeping two males together will surely end in a fight to the death.
Can betta fish live with other fish?
So Can You Put A Betta Fish With Other Fish? Yes, it is possible to keep bettas with other fish . However, it won't work in every scenario, and in some circumstances, your betta will prefer to live on their own.
Do betta need a heater?
Since Bettas are typically in tropical conditions year-round, they absolutely should have a heater to keep them warm . The shallow canals and ponds they live in can change in temperature quickly so Bettas are a lot more tolerant to cold than most tropical fish.
Can you put neon tetras with Siamese fighting fish?
But can neon tetra and betta fish coexist in the same tank peacefully? We have all heard that bettas can be aggressive and attack other fish. The short answer is yes. In the right circumstances, neon tetra and betta fish can be tank mates .
Can you put Siamese fighting fish with guppies?
True to their name, bettas (also called Siamese fighting fish) tend to be fierce and violent towards other fish. Fortunately, Bettas can be kept with Guppies ! Their aggressive nature pairs well with the calm, peaceful guppy, and common ground can easily be established between them.
Can I put a snail with my betta?
Snails are great little guys to put in with bettas . The fish probably won't even realise they're there. Make sure they aren't too little or the betta may attempt to eat them.
Can you put goldfish with betta?
Yes, betta fish can live with goldfish, but it's not advisable due to their different habitat requirements . Moreover, they have different dietary requirements, which makes feeding them in the same tank a bit difficult.
How can I make my betta fish happy?
How do you know a betta fish is happy?
A happy betta will swim around their tank daily . Sometimes they will move almost lazily about, and other times they'll flit from side to side quickly. If the betta appears to have no trouble swimming and isn't leaning to the side or struggling, your betta is healthy and happy.
What are signs that your betta fish is dying?
Other signs that offer a clue to knowing when a betta fish is about to die include discoloration along the fish's body, such as white or brown spots . Strange swimming movements or a shortening / eating away of the fins can also point to severe illnesses.
How long can a betta fish live in a cup?
A proper heating system is also a good idea since Bettas are tropical fish. Keeping them in a cup for longer than 48 hours can be harmful since they can get sick from poor water conditions, low temperatures, and stress.
Can betta fish hear your voice?
They also use their senses to detect changes in the water's vibrations to find prey of their own. Keep in mind that betta fish do not have super hearing, and water will dampen sound. However, yes, they can hear your voice . They are not like a cat or a dog and can recognize their name.
How often do you change betta fish water?
How Often To Change Betta Water? Generally speaking, you'll want to change your Betta's water about once a week . Although betta fish can tolerate lower oxygen in water than other fish, there are other reasons to change the water. In terms of pH, betta fish prefer a 7.0 “neutral” pH.
How often should I feed my betta fish?
It is recommended to feed your betta fish two to four pellets, once or twice per day . Pellets expand when placed in water and are very filling for your betta fish. Freeze-dried or fresh food can be substituted for their pellet feeding 1 to 2 days per week.
Why is my betta crazy?
Often caused by a lack of oxygen in your betta's water , hypoxia can cause your fish to swim in an odd way. Most often they will spend a lot of time at the surface of the tank trying to get oxygen. However, it can also be caused by gill disease and anemia.
What is betta fin rot?
What Is Fin Rot? Fin rot is a condition usually caused by either the Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, or Vibrio bacteria . While relatively easy to prevent, fin rot can be difficult to cure once it does set in, particularly in the more advanced stages.
Why is my betta fish at the bottom of the tank?
Your fish's swim bladder is a crucial organ that it needs to swim. It controls buoyancy. When a fish suffers from swim bladder disease , they often swim in strange patterns, have difficulty moving, or lay at the bottom of the tank. This disease is pretty common with Bettas.
