Feeding, Housing, and Caring for Betta Fish
The Siamese Fighting Fish is a Favorite Amongst Pet Owners
Jun 18, 2009
Originally from southeast Asia, Betta Splendens, better know as the Siamese fighting fish, or just as the betta, is a vibrantly colored fish with spectacular, flowing fins. These fish are easy to care for, but this does not mean that they do not need any care at all. Providing bettas with the minimal requirements they need will ensure that they have a long and happy life.
Housing
Bettas originated in shallow water surrounding rice patties in Asia. They are able to adapt to small amounts of water during the dry seasons, and have even been noted to breed in puddles left in mud by the hoof prints of animals.
Siamese fighting fish have developed a special way of breathing, through their labyrinth organ, which allows them to breath air directly from the surface of the water. Therefore, they do not need a filter to survive. Their homes should not be completely covered though, as bettas need fresh air to breath.
Betta fish are often housed in small plastic cups in pet stores. These cups are adequate for a short period of time, but bettas should be placed into a larger container if they are expected to thrive. Anywhere from a pint to five gallon container is ideal.
If bettas are placed in large aquariums where a strong current is created by the filter, they tend not to do very well, and often die a short time later.
Tank Mates
Contrary to popular belief, betta fish do not fight with everything in a tank. It is only the males that fight with each other. They will not fight to the death, but will try to damage each other's fins, and the dominant fish will keep food away from the weaker male until it dies.
Betta fish may try to fight with fish that look similar to them, such as fancy guppies or long-finned goldfish.
Female bettas, which look significantly different from males, should not be housed with a male betta. Once these fish spawn, the male kills the female and takes care of the eggs.
Male bettas are often fine if left alone, but if the owner feels that his fish needs some entertainment, a mirror can be shown to the betta. The fish will display its full fighting stance, and try to attack its own reflection.
Feeding
Bettas will not eat plants placed in their tank. They are carnivorous, and should be fed betta pellets. Blood worms can be fed as well, but not all the time, as they are too fatty for the fighting fish to eat everyday.
Regular fish flakes are a bad choice, as they cloud up the still water of a betta enclosure.
A betta should never be overfed, and should only be given what it can eat in a minute. If excess food falls to the bottom of the bowl, it will make the water cloudy, and more frequent water changes will be needed.
Water Changes
Betta homes should be kept away from windows, as the sunlight will cause algae to grow. The water should be changed every week, or whenever the water begins to get murky.
Water conditioners must be added to remove the chlorine in tap water, or, bottled water can be used.
The new water should always be room temperature, as water that is too hot or too cold could cause the betta to go into shock and die.
Betta fish are great choices for beginners, because they do not require elaborate set ups, and are quite hardy. If a betta is properly taken care of, they can last two to three years in the home of a pet owner.
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