Many people think of betta fish as “easy” pets to care for – and it’s true that betta fish care is simpler than caring for, say, a dog or cat. However there are some things all betta owners need to know, and like all pets, betta fish deserve to be cared for properly in order to live long, healthy and happy lives.
In this guide to betta fish?care, we give you the essential info you need to get started as a betta fish?owner!
It’s not uncommon to see betta fish being kept in very small bottles or jars. This doesn’t make it the right thing to do. Many people assume that because bettas are adapted to living in shallow puddles in paddy fields in the wild, these are the conditions they should be kept in. This isn’t true; bettas enjoy having space to swim around.?
Bettas should never be kept in very small containers or bowls. Being kept in this kind of home can lead to them becoming stressed and ripping their own fins. Although bettas can be kept in bowls that hold more than a gallon, there are issues with doing this…
So, let’s take a more in-depth look at the question: can betta fish live in a bowl?
Many people assume that betta fish do not need a heater in order to survive. This is why betta fish are often popular with people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on a setup. However, more often than not, betta fish do need a heater.
Remember, bettas are tropical fish that thrive in temperatures of between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Just because they may survive without a heater in their tank doesn’t mean they are happy or at their fittest.?
Given their alternative name of Siamese or Japanese “fighting fish”, bettas have a reputation for being aggressive.
Exactly how aggressive depends on the personality of the individual fish, but there is no doubt that bettas will sometimes fight other fish.
But do they eat other fish? And do they eat shrimp? Read on to find out…
We should start by saying that betta fish can live perfectly happily on their own. They are not shoaling fish and are happy with their own company.
It’s also important to say that some betta fish will need to be kept alone, as they may attack any other fish in their tank.
However, if you have a placid betta fish then you may want to add some friends to their tank. That’s fine, but it’s important that you choose the right tank mates.
Given that they are also known as “Siamese fighting fish” it makes sense that people often ask two questions about bettas.
“Do betta fish have teeth?”
and
“Do betta fish bite?”
Some people wonder if they are going to get injured when they put their hand into a tank containing bettas!
The good news is that you don’t need to worry. Here’s why…
Over the lifetime of your betta fish you may notice a change in color. This isn?t necessarily anything to worry about.
Female betta fish especially change color as they mature. Color changes can also be a good sign. It?s important to be able to recognise the difference between positive color changes and those that can mean a fish is unwell.
One time when you may see subtle changes in the color of a betta fish is when the shade of color deepens. This can happen when a male betta fish is being territorial.
We?re going to look at times when more noticeable changes in color take place.
If you do some research on the question ‘do betta fish need filters?’, you may find yourself getting more than one answer. The truth is that betta fish can survive in a tank without filtration… but this doesn?t mean that they should have to!
One of the main reasons why people assume it?s not necessary to have a filter in a tank containing a betta fish is that bettas are “labyrinth” fish. This means they have a lung like organ which enables them to take in oxygen straight from the air. They can go to the top of the tank and breathe in oxygen?that?can then be circulated through their bloodstream.
This means that betta fish don?t need the same oxygenation of their tank water as other fish. However, having a filter in the tank helps with far more than just oxygenation…
