Betta Care
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Betta Fish٫ also known as Siamese Fighting Fish is a popular aquarium fish and first pet. Bettas are popular for their bright colors and elegant fins. They are a freshwater tropical fish meaning that they require freshwater rather than saltwater and originate from tropical areas. The average lifespan of a betta is 2-5 years but with excellent care they can live longer. Their typical full grown size is 3 inches (76.2 Millimeters) long. Betta Splendens is the scientific name for a Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish. "Betta" is commonly pronounced Bay-Tah٫ but is actually pronounced Beh-Tah٫ sounding sort of like Better٫ just without the R.
Siamese Fighting Fish٫ just like the name٫ are aggressive fish especially to their own kind. Never put two or more males together because there is a guarantee they will fight to the death. Do not house multiple bettas of different genders unless you are trying to breed betta fish.[1] Sometimes multiple female bettas will be housed together in groups called sororities. [2] While not as aggressive as males٫ when having sororities keep in mind that there is always the chance of something going wrong. As a general rule٫ keep bettas apart and do not house them together especially if you are inexperienced with betta fish. Do not keep brightly colored fish with bettas because your betta might mistake it for another betta and attack it. Bettas are solitary fish that usually do not enjoy company٫ but betta fish have personalities and it will depend on the betta. Despite this٫ bettas are aggressive to their own kind and should be in an aquarium with no other bettas. Get tankmates that are not too small so your betta dosent eat them٫ and not too big so they dont eat your betta. Males might create a bubble nest for potential fry even if there are no females around to mate with.
The water pH should be 6.8-7.4 and water hardness should be up to 20 dGH.[3] Like stated before٫ bettas need warm water٫ specifically 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bettas at minimum need a 20 gallon aquarium٫ but bigger is better. Bettas need a gentle flow٫ so get a filter that does not have a very strong current or if it is possible٫ adjust the current to where it is low. If it is still strong٫ then get a different filter. Suitable plants include: Amazon Sword Plant٫ Java Fern٫ Anarchis٫ Marimo Moss Ball٫ and Hornwort. Avoid Duckweed٫ Peace Lily٫ Water Lettuce٫ Pothos٫ Hygrophila٫ and Water Hemlock. Always do research on what plants are safe and toxic when getting a new pet. Avoid plants and decor that have sharp edges or small gaps your betta could get stuck in. You should avoid sharp edges for all fish and even other pets٫ but especially bettas because of their long٫ delicate fins. Do not handle your fish with your bare hands because it could remove or ruin their protetective coat.[4] Use a net or cup instead. If you dont have one you can use٫ either get one or use gloves. You will need a heater for your betta as they are tropical fish. Some decorations bettas like include Betta Hammock٫ and Driftwood. Put hides in your betta's aquarium so your betta has a place to hide when it is stressed. If there is live plants in your aquarium٫ put an Aquarium Light. Do NOT put your aquarium in direct sunlight. This causes there to be a lot of algae which is a problem. It very important to properly cycle the aquarium. You can enhance or speed up the cycling process٫ but dont do anything as a replacement for cycling an aquarium properly.[5] You also have to properly acclimate your fish.[6] Do not mix your aquarium water and the pet store water. It could ruin the water quality in your aquarium and introduce things you dont want in your aquarium.
Bettas are carnivores٫ so likewise٫ they should be fed a carnivorous diet. Do not feed your bettas live food especially if you dont have experience with fish because your betta could get diseases and parasites the live food had. While nutritious٫ feeding live food to your betta (or any fish) is a huge risk.[7] Not only can your betta catch parasites or diseases٫ your betta might end up only eating live food and refusing everything else. Feed bettas a pellet or flake mix with the proper nutrients mainly٫ and an occasional frozen brine shrimp or bloodworm. When choosing a pellet or flake mix٫ choose one that is made specifically for bettas as these will contain the protein your betta will need. Daphnia٫ Mysis Shrimp٫ and Mosquito Larvae are also good treats to feed to your betta on occasion. A common myth is that bettas can survive on just a plant root.[8] This is far from true. Bettas are carnivores and will be malnourished and die soon if that is all they have.
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