Betta splendens is one of my very favorite fish. After much reading, I realized there are a lot of misconceptions about keeping bettas that often lead to the early death of these beautiful pets!
Three of my bettas: Cadmium Vermilion, Triton Neptune, and Winslowe.
Also known as “Siamese fighting fish,” bettas originate from Southeast Asia, living in shallow, still ponds. They boast a labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen at the water’s surface as well as the oxygen taken in through their gills. This means they are technically capable of living in a small container of nothing but water. It does not mean they will thrive! Here’s a rundown of why a tiny glass bowl makes for unsuitable living, and how you can provide a much happier, healthier home for your male betta.
One betta requires at least 1.5 gallons of dechlorinated water, with small water changes at least weekly. Keeping them in little bowls means that the water quality declines quickly, and sudden 100% water changes as a remedy is stressful on any fish. It’s much easier on you and your pet to do frequent, 10% water changes. An incredibly useful cleaning tool I’ve found for small aquariums is a turkey baster – use it to quickly siphon uneaten food or waste, and the water stays cleaner longer!
In a small tank, adding a filter or airstone is generally not necessary – just keep up on your water changes. Bettas prefer less water movement and enjoy lounging, so add a few soft, broad-leaved silk plants. It’ll help him feel secure as well as give him a place to “sit.” However, bettas are also talented jumpers, so his container should include a lid.
Mini Heater
The average room temperature is often not suitable for a betta. Supplying him with an aquarium heater is one of the best things you can do for the health and longevity of your betta! Add a thermometer so you can be sure his water is between 75 and 80 degrees F. At the proper temperature, your betta will be much more active. Recently I noticed two of my bettas looking sluggish and clamping their fins. Looking more closely, I was shocked to find everyone’s water under 70 degrees F. A power outage earlier that day had tripped the power strip that ran all their heaters. A flip of the switch, and an hour later they were warm and acting normal again.
Bettas are carnivores, so they won’t be their healthiest on a diet of the usual community aquarium flake food. (And no, they can’t live off of the roots of lilies in a vase!) Offer pellets specifically made for them, along with a variety of frozen or freeze-dried favorites such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Their stomachs are tiny, so feed small meals once or twice a day rather than large ones every once in awhile.
If you bought a betta to add a splash to a community tank, be aware that he might require his own home. Male bettas usually tolerate fish like small tetras and shorter-finned mollies, but sharing with fish like tiger barbs, gouramis, angels or guppies will lead to harassment and fin nipping.
It’s so easy to fall in love with a betta (I currently have five). But bettas are more than just decorations, they’re living things! A few simple adjustments to your betta’s housing can ensure he will provide you with quiet, colorful enjoyment for up to four years.
If you have a betta, share his name with me! I’ve always thought that the smallest pets deserve the grandest names.
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We currently have “Gus” at home, and I used to have “My Guy” in my workspace. Beautiful creatures!
When Laura & I shared an office, we had “Bert” (he came to us after “Ernie” passed away). He was especially fond of Melissa & would come to the front of his tank & flare every time he saw her! It was really comical. IMIS used to have “Darth-Betta” … leave it to the computer guys to come up with that name!
“Krieger” shares my desk at work. His name means “warrior” in German, and he is quite fond of showing off. He also spends a good part of the day examining the phone extension listing hanging on the wall near his home. I think he is trying to figure out who to call.
Thanks for sharing, everybody! One of my roommates in college had a blue betta named “Poseidon,” which I thought was pretty flashy.
My wonderful blue Betta was named “Mister Blue Fish-Man” by a class shortly after I got him. He’s a great “work pet” and seems to enjoy being talked to about weather. He has me trained well and hangs out on my side of the tank when he’s hungry. Great post!
Thank you, Chris! My bettas pictured above are on a stretch of kitchen counter, so I’ll sometimes notice them following me back and forth like a reminder that it’s their dinnertime too. If they’re not paying attention, I tap twice on the lid and all three know that it’s the signal to head for the top to eat.
Just a note. When any living thing is purchased there is responsibility. I had the fortune (??) of inheriting a tank with a Beta, Sebastian, three neons, Hardrock, Cocoa and Joe (the grandmother of the recipient named them….had to look up the names on the internet and found they were a cartoon group usually found during the winter) and an algae eater named Oscar. They appeared on my doorstep with a brief knock. I opened the door and had a new family. I really love them and they are wonderful, but a word of warning….if you don’t want to take care of them don’t purchase them. Would I give them up?????? NO!
I absolutely agree, Shirley. Too often in their excitement a new owner doesn’t realize the additional expense or amount of care that comes with his or her pet! Especially when the pet is as affordable as a betta.
It breaks my heart when I hear about Bettas or other fish being used as centerpieces for a wedding or similar parties without any regard as to what will happen with them after the party. “Oh the guests will get to take them home…” This is a living creature – not a decoration!
I have to admit, Tina, that I considered bettas for my reception. I gave up the idea because I would never want to give any of them away (or if I did, the potential recipient would have to sit through a ten minute lecture and probably sign an adoption commitment!). That, and my kitchen counter has just about reached its population limit already. I have to avert my eyes from the betta section at the store as it is.
I helped a friend use betas as centerpieces. I was concerned about the care of the fish afterward, but we arranged for safe transportation and good homes before the event. The fish were magnificent, and yes, I know they are not decorations, but they were treated well and are now in happy homes.
I have two betta, a male and a female (seperate tanks). I love them, have had them for years. names: Finn and Haddie
Great article! Always happy to see as much correct info on the web about caring for fish properly as possible. My current Betta is named “Big D”. He lives in a 4 gallon Biorb and loves it!
Thanks, Tracy!
“Finn” is a great betta name, Holly. I once knew one named “Finneus.”
It’s great you took the time to see that the bettas got good homes, Gundlach. Hopefully there are lots of new betta lovers out there because of it!
My fish (TJ) he got’s a ball on he’s stomach and i do what to do.Someone help me fast.
Hi, Jessica. A swollen abdomen could mean constipation. Make sure his water is always 75-80 degrees F. You may need to add an aquarium heater. Try not feeding him for one day, then be careful not to overfeed him — a betta’s stomach is only about the size of his eyes! Feed him very small amounts twice a day. And keep the water very, very clean — swelling can also mean a condition called “dropsy,” which is usually caused by poor water quality, and is very difficult to recover from. I hope TJ feels better!