Betta Fish

Betta fish (Betta Splendens) are one of the hardiest fish in the aquarium hobby. Unfortunately, this is taken advantage of by the pet fish industry. Bettas are often marketed as low/no maintenance fish that can be kept in small glass bowls. This however, is very misleading and untrue.

Comparatively, bettas are indeed one of the easiest fish to keep in the aquarium hobby. But, no matter how "easy" they are to care for, Bettas still need the basic, basic equipments for keeping tropical fish: heater, water, water conditioner, food and care. In this introduction to Betta care, we will walk you through these basic fish keeping necessities.

History

The betta was first discovered in Southeast Asia. Making its home in rice paddies, drainage ditches and the warm flood plains of the region, the betta became accustomed to frequent storm flooding and devastating droughts. The cyclic, drastic changes in its environment helped the fish to adapt - becoming a true labyrinth fish. A labyrinth fish has the unique ability to breathe oxygen directly from the air and also take in oxygen from its gills. As a result, bettas and other labyrinth fish can survive for short periods of time out of water and if needed, can inhale the air around them (provided they stay moist.) This also explains why a betta can sustain itself in stagnant, oxygen-deficient water. Although bettas can tolerate small spaces and poor water quality, they do best in small aquariums (at least two gallons) with regular water changes. The preferred water temperature for a betta is 76-82 degrees F.

ANATOMY

HOUSING

Never keep a male betta fish with any other betta fish, be it female or male. Bettas of either gender are aggressive to their own kind, and will readily fight to death in the limited confines of the home aquarium. Females can be kept together in a sorority if specific measures are taken.

TANK SIZE

Generally it is recommended to keep a betta in no less than 1 gallon of water. Larger and/or more active bettas will need bigger tanks. This is to ensure a stable environment for the fish as well as an ethically acceptable space for swimming and exercise. The bigger the tank, the less tank maintenance is needed.

It is recommended for tanks 5 gallons and over to be cycled. It is possible to cycle smaller tanks as well, but such cycles are know to be less stable than that in a larger volume of water.

FEEDING

Bettas should be fed a varied diet of highly nutritious foods.

bettas are carnivores and should be fed a staple that is high in protein. It is important to check the ingredient label and verify that some of the first listed ingredients are indeed meat products rather than plant products.

Quantity and schedule

A betta's stomach is around the size of its eye. this means that it should not be fed too much at once. As the sizes of pellets vary, it is up to you, the owner to decide how big the stomach is, and feed accordingly. Over feeding can create water issues, constipation and bloat. Most feed their fish once in the morning and once at night.

It is recommended to give your betta a "treat" (such as freeze dried bloodworms) once a week in place of the usual pellets. It is also a common practice to fast (not feed) your betta once a week.

BETTA HEALTH

Flaring

An active betta is less prone to infection compared to a motionless betta. Often daily flaring exercise (about 15 min) after feeding keeps them active.

To do this, simply hold up a mirror to your betta, when it sees the "other betta", it will flare as a sign of territorial behavior. You may even see your betta poop in excitement!

Sunbathing

Sunlight can be great for betta health, especially against certain types of bacteria.

Should you choose to do this, it is advised that they get direct EARLY MORNING sun light for about 15 minutes everyday.

Do not leave them there for too long as water temperatures will rise dramatically in open sunlight and you may return to find a cooked fishy :(.

Tannins

Tannins is a mix of organic compounds that is released when Indian Almond Leaves (IAL), elder cones, certain types of oak leaves are allowed to steep in water. Tannins will make the water look tea colored.

The addition of tannins to your bettas water is beneficial against certain types of fungi and bacteria. This can be used on sick bettas, recovering bettas or simply to provide a healthy environment and general disease prevention for the fish.

Sickness

Common signs of a sick/unhealthy betta:

- Darting against ornaments

- Bloating

- Emaciation

- White stringy excrement

- Raised scales

- Discoloration

- Appearance of white salt like grains

- Lethargy

- Helplessly floating or sinking

BETTA TYPES