Bettas Information | Keeping Bettas | Bettas Guide

The Siamese Fighter (Betta Splendens), also known as the Betta, is a member of the Gourami family; from the order Perciformes. Bettas are native to the rice fields /paddies in Thailand and Cambodia; in Thailand they are known as the Fighter Fish (Trey Krem) as the males always react violently to each other, it is impossible to keep two males together. Captive Bettas have a brilliant colours and large veil like fins where as the wild betas are more of a green/brown colour with shorter fins. The wild Bettas primary food is mosquito larvae and zooplankton. Bettas are some of the easiest fish to keep as they don't require much space, aeration and filtration. A Betta can live happily in water that has not got any aeration as they have a Labyrinth organ. The Labyrinth organ is located on the top of their head; this organ allows the better to take air from the atmosphere in addition to air taken from the water via their gills.

In this section I will outline the basic equipment (as well as water quality) that is needed when keeping Bettas. The equipment that will be needed will be as follow:

- Tank
- Filtration
- Decoration
- Lighting
- Water

A Tank for keeping Bettas
In the wild Bettas live in shallow but spacious environments, I recommend getting a tank that is a minimum of 20 litres in size. Keep in mind that the larger tanks (Water volumes) increase the Bettas quality of life. If motivated to, Bettas can jump pretty high; make sure that there is a glass cover over your tank.

Filtration for your Bettas
Strong filtration is not required for Bettas. I do advise that you get a small corner filter or under gravel filter for your Betta.

Decoration for your Bettas
Decorate your Bettas tank with gravel, plants and small cave like structures for them to hide in. Avoid hard plastics and jagged rocks as they may tear your Bettas fins.

Lighting for your Bettas
Regardless of what most people say, when keeping Bettas you do need a light and so does the beneficial bacteria in the Betta tank. If they do not have enough natural light then you may choose from a wide variety of fluorescent lights available from your pet store.

Betta Water Quality
The best water conditions for keeping Bettas have a PH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 and temperature not under 20 and not over 28 degrees Celsius.

If you are new to the Betta world and want to have a resource with all the correct answers, then I would suggest an eBook called 'Betta Fish Secrets'. It explains everything step by step so you never have to be wondering if you are doing things correctly.