Betta Fish Care

The Siamese fighting fish, called Betta or Betta Splendens originated from the mucky ponds, rice paddy fields, and streams of Thailand. The Betta Splendens that were found at first had tiny fins and pale colors.

Siamese fighting fish Quick Facts

Common name	Siamese fighting fish
Scientific name	Betta splendens
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Order	Perciformes
Family	Osphronemidae
Genus	Betta
Conservation status	Vulnerable
Type	Freshwater labyrinth fish (betta)
Diet	Betta pellets, bloodworms and brine shrimp
Habitat	Muddy ponds, rice paddies and streams
Native range	Thailand
Special feature	Breathes air; males fight each other

The fins of the modern Betta Fish are long and graceful, and you can see them in an assortment of colors; because of the genetic mutation that happened while breeding. The male Betta fish are distinguished by their lengthy curving fins, which discriminates them from the females that are in general tinier and possess short fins. The other trait of the male, discriminating from the female is their violent behavior. This explains the reason for not keeping male betas together. If they are made to have contact, they impulsively fight to the death; this gave it the name Siamese fighting fish. It is imperative that owners realize this trait of the fish and respect it, other than gaining pleasure from this trait.

Water

The Betta is a sturdy fish, as such, they are capable of tolerating a range of temperatures. Even then, the desirable temperature is 75 ^o F to 80^oF (24 to 27^oC). Temperature of74^oF and less will reduce their resistance to fight against diseases. Most of the experts are of the opinion that temperatures higher than 84^oF leads to aging of your Betta (accelerated metabolism). Just as other fish, the Betta fish requires de-chlorinated water. Heavy metal and chlorine contained in the tap water are poisonous to the fish and the fish will die. Use either RO water; bottled water or tap-water that is treated (treated using a water conditioner). Tetra Aqua Safe, Aquarium Pharmaceutical tap water conditioner or jungle Bowl Buddies are the general types of tap water conditioners.

Prepare the water for the tank

Prior to filling the tank with fresh tap water make use of a water conditioner. The chloramines and chlorine contained in the tap water, does harm to the fish.   Experienced fish keepers recommend keeping the water for a time to settle before using it.  However, using a water filter is ideal, since standing the water for some time, only eliminates the chlorine, but the heavy metal and chloramines remain.

Bottled water is not advisable, since the essential minerals are absent in it, there is no safety. Tap water, which is treated is a good source and costs less.

The Tank – Your Betta’s Home

The Betta fish have a  labyrinth organ, which allows the fish to inhale  fresh air from the water surface. Hence air pump is not necessary for producing oxygen, just as other fish need. This is the reason why Betta are found in bowls in the pet stores, without even a filter.. Betta dislike speedy currents (they hail from tiny rice paddies).

Even though Betta fish require an aquarium of minimum size 5 gallons, a bigger one with more space is highly appreciated by them. Moreover, maintenance becomes easier when the tank is bigger. Betta are good at jumping; hence ensure you cover the tank with a hood or a cover. You would do well to go in for a mini bow aquarium kit. It is self sufficient for keeping a Betta

How to Add Betta into the New Tank

Fill the Betta’s tank

In case your tank does not have a cover, keep the level of water to just 80 % of its capacity to confirm that your Betta does not jump out of the tank. Betta are very agile; they jump to heights of 3in.  (7.5cm), more when they are encouraged! Keeping them cheerful in their aquarium makes them content in their home.

Add your Betta

Gradually and with care mix a little of the water in which the Betta was in to the container in which you intend to keep it. This helps your Betta Fish to adjust to the new environment. Make sure that the difference in temperatures between its erstwhile (existing) habitat and the future one are not much warmer or colder enough to give the betas any sudden jolt by this mixing. While emptying the Betta into your tank do so mildly. Never handle your Betta with a net, it hurts its flimsy fins. Handle your Betta with a scoop or a cup if you have to do so.

Food

Select the correct diet for your Betta fish. Pellets exclusively prepared for your betas constitute the main diet of your Betta.  Occasionally give them blood worms and frozen brine shrimps.

• Inspect the constituents of the pellets, for being protein based. Professionals recommend a minimum of 40% protein in the pellets
• It is thrilling to watch the Betta feeding on live food; however the ideal feed is dried and frozen ones. They do not contain parasites and are safer for the fish. A luxurious feed for them is dry or frozen blood worm.

Clean up any additional food that is not consumed by your Betta Fish. In the same way, observe, if your Betta spew out any feed, this signals that your Betta is either selective or the size of the pellet is too big for its mouth. Sarcastically, companies dealing with food for big fish are not aware that the mouth of Betta is smaller than the gold or other fish. For your Betta to consume the pellet with ease, cut them with a razor blade into two halves. In spite of this, if your Betta shirks from eating it, go for either a dry feed or other pellet brand

Spend Time

Spend time with your Betta fish. It is a pleasure observing the Betta fish. Interact with your Betta by slowly moving your finger along the outside of the glass (do not bang the tank or put your finger in the water). Observe your Betta as it follows you. The most important thing is naming your Betta Fish!

• Do not tap the aquarium glass, such action disturbs the fish and there is chance for it to die of shock. To cooperate with the Betta in playing with it, just place your finger on the glass of the tank and give it a slight movement and watch if the fish is following it. Make several trials till your Betta is used to it. And reduces its scare of the movement. Place a mirror facing the fish, if it is in particular a male, there is chance that it changes its colour and makes a show.

Diseases

Every pet that it is affected by diseases faces a risk, which is true of the Betta Fish as well. All through their life, Betta Fish are frequently prone to infection through bacteria and parasites. This is the reason why prevention and preparation is a must. Just changing the water off and on is a good measure of preventing your Betta Fish from an ailment. Melafix and aquarium salt is a usual method of treatment.

Siamese fighting fish FAQs