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Pet Betta Fish

Pet Betta fish are among the most beautiful and mesmerising to watch.  They flow through the water, gliding as if on a cloud. They rest on the rocks, covering them with their blue, red, purple, green, yellow, or multicoloured fins. They can be the most peaceful looking fish in a tank.

Betta Splendens Photo Courtesy of CC BY-SA 2.0 DE

However, they can live up to their reputation and earn the name, Siamese fighting fish, in a heart beat. Add another male to the tank, overcrowd the tank, or add even the slightest aggressive, quick moving fish that dart around, and you will stress your Betta. This will make them defensive and attack other fish.

Pet Betta Fish Facts

There are disreputable people in this world that still abuse these beauties in fighting matches. They throw two males into one tank so they can watch them fight to the death. Please report any of this activity to the local law enforcement.

Some private breeders and owners of pet betta fish for sale are not even aware their line is more aggressive by nature of coming from an aggressive lineage. Look for reputable sellers of this fish.

We have found some wonderful Betta breeders and Betta Fish supplies right here on eBay.

Tank Size

In Pet Betta Fish tanks under right conditions, Bettas will live for about 3 years.

Bettas prefer slow moving water, lots of plants, rocks and caves, hiding places, and low to medium light.  You can even use a small desk or night light bulb over the smallest tanks.  If you choose to get a larger Betta tank keep it under a foot deep, as they prefer shallow water tanks.

Water Temperature and Quality

The water should be slightly acid, with a pH of 6.2 – 7.9. However, pH must not vary on a random basis and must stay the same. The water temperature should remain between 73.4 - 86°F (23 - 30°C) 

These fish have a labyrinth organ which helps them breathe the air (oxygen) from above the surface. Make sure you have a tight cover, as they can jump out. This goes double for the females when the male is chasing them.

Plants & Ornaments

Due to needing more oxygen, the Betta will often stay at the top of the tank. This is where safe, live plants come in. Plants help create a balance of oxygen in the water for healthier fish.

They use the plants, rocks, and substrate as resting places, so larger plants seem to be their favourite. 

Caves and rock are necessities because a Betta loves to hide in dark, shady places. 

Using only pre-approved driftwood (and decorations) to help lower the pH and slow the water flow down to their preferred speed.

Place plant behind a big rock or cave, and create a brand new house for them. 

Always Avoid sharp rocks, corners, decorations as fish will inevitably chase one another, and they can injure themselves.

If you have a tank, (not a bowl) you will need a filtration system. The external canister type will make less current in your tank. External aquarium filters also help prevent infections such as White Spot disease, or other stress related fish illnesses.

Best plants for a Betta tanks:

Vesicularia  and  Microsorium Pteropus

There are plenty of others, and depending on what other fish you might add, make sure it is safe for all your tank occupants.

Pet Betta Fish Health

Feeding a Pet Betta Fish

To maintain optimum health, the Betta needs a great deal of vitamins in their foods. They need the highest quality flakes and granules along with vegetation. A great supplement is to buy frozen or live foods such as fruit flies, artemia, and bloodworms.  Be careful, you can overfeed a Betta, and they will get quite large and unhealthy.

Compatibility

Betta Splendens (the most common starter Betta), is very peaceful toward other fish, however never put two males in the same tank.  If there is no overcrowding, two males together, a male who doesn’t like a particular female, or there are no safe zones, your Betta will tolerate most bottom dwellers such as Cory's or Pleco's. Make sure you stay away from fast movers, darters, aggressive fish, like the active Tetra Fish.

Most compatible fish with Bettas:
Corydoras   Loaches   Dwarf gourami

Diseases 

There are a number of diseases that possible in a Betta aquarium. They are most susceptible to these:

•  Injuries-as mentioned above


• Swim Bladder diseases from parasite, bacteria causes it, and it happens mostly in older fish, but young die from it as well.
  


•  White spot disease called Ich is the most frequent and causes spots all over the fish, they lose appetite, and spreads quickly throughout the tank.
  


•  Ammonia poisoning can happen if your filter is not working well enough. Contributing problems are not enough live aquarium plants, over feeding, and over crowding.
  


•  Fin and tail rot can occur from a simple injury which becomes bloody and red on the fins. They soon begin to disintegrate.


• Some may be solved with a home remedy, others will take an antibiotic or disinfectant.  
  


• Methylene Blue will disinfectant or cure fungus, flukes, and protozoic attack.


• Malachite Green fights bacterial diseases like White Spot disease


• Formalin kills external parasites if used according to the directions.
  

Pet Betta Fish Breeding

Is my Betta a Male or Female?

Easy! Males have thinner bodies, longer fins, and are much more colourful. Females have shorter fins, bulkier bodies, and a dullness to the colouring.

Breeding Pet Betta Fish

Betta fish breeding begins when you see the male make bubble nests with his saliva. It is a factual moment, as now you are certain who is what in the tank. You must separate them at once to one male and one female breeding tank for the best results.

There are tons of great Betta Breeding books and resources here.

Best Aquarium Plants

Angel Fish plants: Alternanthera    Echinodorus Amazonicus   Vallisneria Gigantea 

Betta tank plants: Vesicularia   Vallisneria torta   Microsorium pteropus

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