The Beginner Betta Fish Guide – Care, Tank Size & Setup & More

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a type of freshwater fish. They are among the most popular pets because of their vibrant colors, graceful movements, easy availability, and relatively low maintenance.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the Betta fish because it was one of the fish that introduced me to the fulfilling world of fishkeeping. I hope that this guide on how to properly care for it will help you avoid some of the mistakes I made and get straight to properly enjoying these amazing fish.

At A Glance

Where Do Betta Fish Live?

Betta fish are native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In the wild, they can be found in shallow, slow-moving bodies of water such as rice paddies, canals, and ponds. 

Since the water in these habitats generally tend to be low on oxygen, these fish have developed special respiratory organs called labyrinth organs that allow them to breathe air directly from the surface.

As pets, Betta fish are usually kept in small tanks or bowls (more on this later). Despite their ability to breathe a little air directly from the surface of the water, they meet a lot of their respiratory needs from the oxygen dissolved in the water. As such, It is important to provide a clean and well-oxygenated environment.

Why Are They Called Fighting Fish?

A big personality trait and part of the reason why they became so popular in the first place is their tendency for the males to get into death matches with other males without any provocation. In the wild, male Betta fish are found in shallow, slow-moving bodies of water where they establish and defend their territory from other males. 

In traditional Thai culture, Betta fish were sometimes used for fighting, in which two male Bettas were placed in a small arena-like tank and encouraged to fight each other. This practice is now illegal in Thailand, but the name “fighting fish” has stuck and is still used to refer to Betta fish around the world.

It’s important to note that while male Betta fish can be aggressive towards each other, they can also be kept peacefully with other types of fish when tankmates are chosen properly and they are all given enough space.

Betta Fish Physical Description

Betta fish are small and colourful. They have long, flowing fins and vibrant colors, which can range from shades of red and orange to shades of blue and green, all of them brilliant. They have a long, slender body with a triangular-shaped head, a small mouth, and a slight underbite.

Male Betta fish tend to be more colourful and have longer, more elaborate fins than females. Female Betta fish are generally smaller and have a somewhat inconsistent colouration, with shorter fins. Thanks to their unique respiratory system, they can be seen coming up to the surface every now and then to take in a gulp of air and this is totally normal behaviour.

They are relatively small and stay under 3 inches or 7.5 cm. Some fancy varieties can grow to be as large as 5 inches or 12.5 cm but this is very rare.

Should Bettas Be Kept In Bowls And Bottles?

It is quite common to see Bettas being kept in small bowls or jars. This is mostly done in some pet stores that do not have a lot of display space. Since each male Betta needs its own aquarium, stores will just keep each of them in a small bowl or bottle. This may be fine for a few hours or a couple of days at most. This is, however, not at all recommended for the long term.

Bettas maybe hardy but they still are tropical fish that need a fairly consistent and stable water temperature to thrive. Bowls, since they only hold a small amount of water, can easily become too cold or too hot very quickly and this can stress the fish and lead to health problems.

Bettas also need plenty of oxygen to breathe, and bowls do not provide enough surface area for the fish to get the oxygen it needs. This can lead to respiratory problems and even death.

These fish also produce a lot of waste, and bowls and bottles cannot be equipped with sufficient filtration to keep the water clean.

Finally, Bettas are active and intelligent fish that need space to swim and explore. Bowls are too small to meet the needs of these active fish and can cause them to become stressed or even aggressive toward their own reflection.

Bettas may survive in a bowl longer than most fish, but it is not the best option. Ideally, the Betta should be provided with a properly equipped tank that has plenty of room.

Betta Fish Behaviour And Temperament

Bettas are territorial and the males will fight with other males to defend their space. In captivity, two male Bettas should not be kept in the same tank, as they will likely become aggressive toward each other. Female Bettas can be kept together in a group, but it is important to provide them with plenty of hiding places and enough space to avoid aggression.

Bettas are intelligent and curious fish that enjoy exploring their environment and interacting with their owners. They are known to recognize their owners and will often swim up to the front of the tank when they see them approaching. Bettas also enjoy being fed and will often beg for food when they see their owner approaching.

Betta Fish Tankmates

It is generally not recommended to keep Betta fish with other aggressive or territorial fish, as they may become aggressive toward each other. Betta fish are known for their territorial behavior and will often fight with other males to defend their territory.

There are some species of fish that can be kept with Bettas if they are properly introduced and there is enough space in the tank. Some good options for Betta tankmates include

• Small, peaceful fish such as neon tetras, zebra danios, and rasboras
• Small Bottom-dwelling fish such as Corydoras Catfish
• Non-aggressive invertebrates such as snails and shrimp

It is important to carefully research the care requirements and temperament of any potential tankmates before adding them to the tank. It is also important to provide enough space and hiding places for all the fish in the tank to help prevent aggression.

In general, it is a good idea to start with a small group of compatible fish and gradually add more over time to give the Bettas time to adjust to their new tankmates. Avoid fish that have long and flowing fins as these can be mistaken for other male Bettas.

Aquarium Setup For Betta Fish

Bettas are a misunderstood fish that are assumed to be extremely hardy and non-demanding. They are hardy but this does not mean that all they need is some water. They need a proper tank setup as detailed below. 

Tank size: A single Betta male is best kept in a tank that is at least 5 gallons in size. If keeping females, then each additional fish will need an extra 2.5 gallons. Larger tanks are even better, as they provide more space for the fish to swim and it is easier to maintain stable water conditions.

Water quality: Betta fish are sensitive to water quality and need a stable and clean environment to thrive. The tank should be properly cycled. Make sure to use a high-quality water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the tap water. Perform a 25% water change monthly. Test the water parameters as often as you can.

Filtration: A good filtration system is essential for maintaining a healthy Betta tank. Look for a filter that is appropriate for the size of your tank and that includes both mechanical and biological filtration. It should not introduce a strong water current either.

Heating: Betta fish are native to tropical regions and prefer water temperatures between 76°F and 82°F or 24.5°C and 28°C. Use a heater to maintain a consistent temperature in the tank.

Decor: Betta fish are known for their elaborate fins and enjoy having places to hide and explore. Use plants, rocks, and other decorative elements to create a natural-looking environment for your Betta. A densely planted tank goes well with the Betta

The Betta doesn’t demand a lot and with proper care and attention, your Betta can thrive and bring a splash of color to your home.

Ideal Water Parameters For Betta Fish

In my experience, I have found the following range for the various water parameters to work the best for Bettas

• Temperature: 76°F to 82°F or 24.5°C to 28°C
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• GH Hardness: 3 to 4 dGH
• KH Hardness: 3 to 5 dKH
• Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

Betta Fish Aquarium Cycling And Maintenance

Aquarium cycling refers to the process of creating a healthy and stable ecosystem for your fish. This is done by establishing a colony of beneficial bacteria in the tank. These bacteria help to break down waste products produced by the fish, such as ammonia and nitrites, and convert them into less toxic substances like nitrates.

To cycle a Betta fish tank, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Set up the tank: Clean the tank and place it on a sturdy, stable, and level surface. Install the filter and heater. Fill the tank with dechlorinated tap water and add any decorations or plants you want to include.
• Add a source of ammonia: The bacteria that you want to grow in the tank need a source of ammonia to get started. While there are many ways to do this, the most humane way would be to add a spoon full of fishfood once a day.
• Test the water regularly: Use a test kit to check the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in the water every few days. As the bacteria colony grows, you should see the levels of ammonia and nitrite decrease, while the levels of nitrate increase.
• Wait for the cycle to complete: The cycling process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. 

You can speed this process up by getting a beneficial bacteria starting kit. Once the levels of ammonia and nitrite have consistently remained at zero for at least a week, and the nitrate levels have risen, the tank is considered cycled. 

Do a 30% water change. Monitor the tank for 2-3 days and if there are no spikes in ammonia, nitrite or nitrate, the tank is ready for your Betta fish.

In terms of maintenance, a Betta fish tank should be cleaned, and the water changed regularly to maintain good water quality. This typically involves performing a partial water change (25% of the water) once every three to four weeks. 

The substrate and decorations as needed should also be cleaned using a gravel vacuum. It’s also important to monitor the water parameters and make any necessary adjustments to keep them within the ideal range for Betta fish.

Aquascaping A Betta Tank

As I mentioned earlier, Bettas look great in a planted tank. It offers a visually appealing and natural-looking environment for your fish. When aquascaping a Betta tank, there are a few key things to consider

• Substrate: The substrate will be, literally and figuratively, the base of the aquascape. Options include gravel, sand, and marble chips, with each one offering a different aesthetic as well as different possible options when it comes to the plants. Choose a substrate that are suited to the plants and the overall look you are going for.
  You can use root tabs and liquid fertilizers to make the tank nutrient rich for the more demanding plants.
  
• Plants: Choose hardy plants that provide a lush look. There are many types of plants that can thrive in a Betta tank, including Java fern, Anubias, and Marimo moss balls.
  
• Decorations: Use rocks, driftwood, and other decorative elements to create visual interest and provide your Betta with places to hide and explore. Avoid using any decorations with sharp edges or rough surfaces, as these can injure your fish.
  
• Lighting: Proper lighting is important for the health and well-being of the plants. It can enhance the appearance of your aquascape. Use a light that provides a natural-looking spectrum and is appropriate for the plants you are keeping.

With some creativity and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and relaxing oasis for your Betta to call home that will also double up as the most stunning piece of décor in your home.

Hardscaping A Betta Tank

An aquascaped tank looks great but it can also make the aquarium more demanding in terms of care. It could also be the case where a planted tank isn’t the aesthetic you are looking for. A hardscaped tank offers the perfect alternative.

Use rocks, driftwood, and other decorative elements to create something pleasing to look at that also provides your Betta with places to hide and explore.

Take into account the size, shape, and color of the hardscape elements you are using. You can arrange them in a way that creates a natural-looking environment for your Betta. Avoid overcrowding the tank and leave plenty of open swimming space for your fish.

Having said that, your creativity should make the final call.

Betta Fish Diet And Feeding

In the wild, they primarily feed on insects, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. In captivity, it is important to provide a varied diet to keep your Betta healthy and happy.

Offer a variety of high-quality, protein-rich foods, such as pellet or flake food designed specifically for Bettas. These can be supplemented with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and microworms.

Feed your Betta small amounts of food 2-3 times per day. A Betta’s stomach is about the size of its eye, so it doesn’t need much food at a time. Overfeeding can lead to problems such as constipation and bloating.

Avoid feeding your Betta food that is too large or hard for it to chew. This can lead to difficulty swallowing and potential choking.

Some Bettas may also appreciate some vegetables in their diet, such as blanched spinach or lettuce.

Betta Fish Health And Diseases

Bettas will stay disease-free as long as they are healthy when bought and the tank conditions are great. The fanciest Bettas may look stunning, but they are genetically weaker and are the most susceptible to diseases along with those Bettas that are kept in poor conditions. These are some of the ailments they can be afflicted with

Infections: Causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discharge and can be treated with medications. Can be prevented by avoiding overcrowding

Fin rot: Causes the fins to become frayed and disintegrate. Result of poor water quality, injury, or stress. Can be treated with medications, but it is important to address the underlying cause to prevent it from recurring.

Ich: A parasitic infection that causes small white spots to appear on the skin and fins of the fish. Provide good water quality and avoid overcrowding to prevent it from occurring.

Dropsy: Usually a symptom of a microbial infection. Leads to build-up of fluids and can be treated by adding one tablespoon of aquarium salt for every three gallons of water

Betta Fish Breeding

Bettas are relatively easy to breed in captivity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it

1. Choose healthy, compatible fish: Choose a male and female Betta that are in good health and have good genetics. The male should have long, flowing fins, and the female should be plump and healthy.
2. Set up a breeding tank: Use a separate tank for breeding to ensure the proper environment for the eggs and fry. The tank should be at least 10 gallons in size and have a heater to maintain a consistent temperature of about 79°F or 26°C.
3. Condition the fish: Before breeding, condition the male and female Bettas by feeding them a varied diet of high-quality food. This will help improve their fertility and increase the chances of successful breeding.
4. Introduce the male and female: When introducing the male and female Bettas, it is important to do so slowly to reduce the risk of aggression. You can use a divider or a separate tank to allow them to see and get used to each other before placing them in the same tank.
5. Spawning: When the male and female are ready to breed, the male will build a bubble nest at the surface of the water. The female will then lay her eggs, which the male will fertilize. The male will then gather the eggs in his mouth and spit them into the nest.
6. Care for the eggs: Once the eggs are laid, maintain good water quality, and keep the tank free of debris. Remove the female. The male will continue to care for the eggs and fry until they are ready to swim on their own, which can take anywhere from 5-14 days after which the male should be removed as well.
7. Care for the fry: Once the fry are swimming on their own, they will need to be fed small amounts of food several times a day. Live or frozen brine shrimp, microworms, and other small, protein-rich foods are good options. The fry should also be kept in a separate tank to prevent them from being eaten by the adults.

Breeding Bettas can be a rewarding experience. Just make sure you have a proper plan to house the fry when they grow up. Never release them into the wild. Also, avoid breeding highly fancy Bettas as they are genetically weak already.

Some Cool Facts About Bettas

• Betta fish have  a special organ called the labyrinth that allows them to breathe air from the surface, perfect for low-oxygen environments
• Bettas are native to the Mekong Basin in Southeast Asia, where they live in rice paddies, canals, and slow-moving streams
• Bettas are known for their long, flowing fins and bright, colourful markings used to display aggression.
• Males will engage in a battle to the death with other males when kept in the same tank
• They have a highly developed sense of hearing and are able to locate prey using sound waves.
• The male is a thoughtful parent that builds a bubble nest to protect the eggs

Betta Fish Varieties

Betta varieties are mostly classified based on their colour and the shape of their tail. The Betta is generally available in metallic sheens of at least one of these colours

• Red
• Blue
• Purple
• Green
• Black
• White
• Yellow
• Orange

Based on the shape of the tail, the different varieties are

• Crowntail – Spiky tails and fins with a teardrop-shaped tail
• Halfmoon – Semi-circular fan-like tail
• Delta – Tails have straight edges and do not form a full semi-circle
• Doubletail: Has two distinct veil-like tail fins
• Veiltail: The most common Betta variety with long flowing fins that do not have a standard shape
• Fan Tail: The tail fins almost forms a full circle
• Plakat: Shorter fins and stouter bodies

Other varieties include the Half Sun, Super Delta, and Rosetail.

FAQs

How Long Do Betta Fish Live?

Between two to five years

Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?

They do not get lonely. In fact, the males can get very aggressive towards other males or other fishes with long and flowing fins

How To Take Care Of A Betta Fish?

Provide them with a 5-gallon, properly cycled tank, good diet, with a strict maintenance regimen

Where To Buy Betta Fish Near Me?

Almost all pet stores that sell live fish will have Bettas

What Do Betta Fish Eat?

A protein-rich diet consisting of pellets, flakes, and live or frozen food

How Often Do You Feed Betta Fish?

3-4 times a day

Do Betta Fish Need A Filter?

Yes

Can Betta Fish Live With Other Fish?

As long as the other fish are small, not aggressive and do not have long flowing fins, the Betta will get along with them just fine. Make sure there is enough space for all of them

How Long Can A Betta Fish Go Without Food?

A week

Do Betta Fish Recognize Their Owners?

They do recognize their owners

Do Betta Fish Sleep?

Like most fish, Bettas need about 10 hours of night-time for sleep

Where Do Betta Fish Come From?

Rice paddies, streams, and canals in Southeast Asia

How Much To Feed Betta Fish?

Just enough that the Bettas can finish off in less than a minute

Can you aquascape a Betta fish tank

Yes

What types of plants does a Betta fish tank like

They do not have any preferences as such. However, hardy plants with lush leaves that provide a lot of hiding spots are appreciated

What water parameters are best for a Betta fish

Temperature: 76°F to 82°F or 24.5°C to 28°C
pH: 6.5 to 7.5
GH Hardness: 3 to 4 dGH
KH Hardness: 3 to 5 dKH
Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

Do Betta fish get lonely?

No

Are Betta fish hard to care for?

They are among the easiest fish to care for

How to treat dropsy in Betta fish?

Add 1-2 ppt salt and dropsy should clear off in a week

How do I make my Betta fish feel loved?

Interact with it a lot and stick around while it is feeding

How can I tell if my Betta is happy?

If it swims around, feeds properly, and interacts with you, it means that your Betta is happy

How do I know if my Betta fish loves me?

If it gets excited every time you get close to the tank, it is a great sign that your Betta loves you

What should you not put in a Betta fish tank?

Anything sharp or toxic

Can Betta fish bite you?

They cannot bite you

Conclusion

The Betta fish is a great pet for many reasons. They are beautiful, don’t require a large fish tank, are relatively low maintenance, can be kept alone or with other fish, provide a learning opportunity, can recognize their human guardian, and are very colourful and iridescent.
Keeping them as a pet does involve a few unique challenges but they are also uniquely satisfying, and every aquarist should keep them at least once.