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Care And Keeping Of Betta Fish

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Why Choose A Betta Fish?

I have owned Betta fish for years, ironically all named Poseidon. I learned a lot in how to choose a Betta fish, how to care for the Betta, and what to do in the case of illness. While fairly easy to care for, those lovely Bettas will throw a wrench in the works from time to time. Betta fish are a joy to own, and many of them have quite distinct personalities. Even 15 Poseidons later, they are still among my all-time favorite fish. :)

A great first fish, Betta fish are among the easiest to care for as well as the hardiest. Betta fish can take water conditions that would kill most other starter fish. Betta fish are also clean fish, which enables Betta fish owners to use smaller tanks. Which makes Betta fish one of the best pets for people with small homes or apartments. The best part about a Betta though is that they are cheap!

Buying A Betta Fish

Tips And Tricks To Get The Best

Some easy tips to get the most out of the Betta you have just bought, and to ensure it stays in the family for as long as possible.

1. Look at the hump behind the head. The smaller and less pronounced it is, the better. The hump marks a Bettas age.

2. Buy a blue one! They are hardier souls, and survive longer then their red counterparts. Frankly I'm not sure why that is, but every blue I have bought has survived at least twice as long as the reds.

3. Look at the body of the Betta. You don't have to be an expert. If something looks wrong, chances are it is. Compare several together and note the differences. Bettas should not appear to be gasping (fast breathing), have anything white on them, should not look dull, and should be moderately active. The fins should be smooth against the body, not sticking up. Avoid Mr. Spastic, they never last long. When in doubt, don't buy it!

Books On Betta Fish

Get started in learning about your Betta Fish. Learn about where they come from, what diseases they can get, just about everything can be found in these books. A handy addition to any Betta Fish owner's bookshelves.
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Warning

Never house two male Bettas next to each other or in the same tank! If they're next to each other, it stresses them out to see the other male, and if they're in the same tank they will fight (to the death).

Choosing The Right Tank For Your Betta

Betta fish can be tanked in just about anything. Including underneath a plant. They are the most versatile of all the fish. You do not have to buy special equipment to house a Betta, they can go in an urn, bowl, tank, vase, pretty much anything.

I personally would recommend a cheap 5 gallon tank with a lid. Bettas like to jump, and you wouldn't want to wake up in the morning to crispy fish. Or missing because the cat ate it. The one I use has a bubbler, filter, and of course the always important lid!

My Tank

Aquarius1 1 Gallon Tank Aquarium System AQ11104BLK

Aquarius1 1 Gallon Tank Aquarium System AQ11104BLK

Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 05/26/2012)Buy Now

This is the tank I normally chose when I need to house a betta fish. It gives them plenty of room without taking up too much space - a gallon sized tank is just the right size for any solitary fish.

Betta Fish Tanks

Go ahead and get a Betta Fish tank that fits your home decor or style. You don't have to settle with a plain boring tank if you do not want to.
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What You Need To Care For Your Betta

1. Stress Coat - This keeps them happy. It coats the fins and scales, allowing accidental damage to heal.

2. Disease Control - Keep a stock of various disease treatments on hand. Once a Betta Fish has something, you have to move quick! Keeping these on hand will allow you to treat at the first sign of disease.

3. Aquarium Salt - A small amount of this will keep your Betta healthy. It cuts down on the amount of diseases they get and treats the water.

Betta Fish Supplies

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Betta Fish Photos

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Betta Tips And Tricks

Time Savers

1: Buy a one gallon jug of distilled/spring water. Add the stress coat and aquarium salt to it, shake it up, and keep it on hand for water changes. Far easier to have it on hand, as it stresses the Betta out less.

2: Keep the Betta in an area of the house that gets the same amount of dark as light. They sleep just like humans do, and too much light can shorten their lifespan.

3: Use vacation feeders when going out of town, unless you have a trusted friend to Betta-watch.

Betta Fish Food

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YouTube vids

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Betta Fish News

Student transforms her love for fish into a business at the dorms
By ALEXIA BOYARSKY May 25, 2012 ? To battle the loneliness that sometimes comes with living in the dorms, transfer student Kate turned to betta fish to offer her companionship. She later turned her love for fish into a business, selling betta fish and ...
Pet Expo Efforts Raise $12000 for Pet Care Trust
The group raised money at the event by hosting a Betta Fish Toss game, holding an aquarium raffle, and selling donated pet supplies at an onsite Pet Care Trust store. These activities were made possible through donations from several pet companies and ...
Native fish released in Sai Gon River
HCM CITY ? More than 200 fishes belonging to three native species were released in the Sai Gon River in HCM City yesterday as part of efforts to protect the city's bio-diversity. The Raspora paviana, Betta splendens, and Trichopsis vittatus fishes ...
Fish Story II -- Reptar in Arkansas
The Gamecocks' newest mascot - Dantzler's pet betta fish named Reptar - has become the darling of the baseball program over the past three weeks, ever since it was revealed that Dantzler, fearful of leaving the fish at home alone, took him on the ...
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Reader Feedback

  • tembrooke May 21, 2012 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    These are so pretty. I tried to keep a betta once but it died after a few weeks. I felt too guilty to get another.
  • LaraineRose Jun 10, 2009 @ 6:22 pm | delete
    Our first pets were fish. Got a huge tank, lights, and all the other paraphernalia. We loved them until they started dying. I couldn't take it. I love watching (other people's) fish swimming. These look especially beautiful!
  • C-Joy Apr 4, 2009 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    I had no idea that there was anything to treat betta diseases! I've had two in my classroom at school, now I'm sure the next one we get will live even longer:)
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RaiscaraAvalon

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