A Beginners Guide To Keeping Betta Fish
The “Siamese fighting fish”, also known as the betta fish is a very vibrant and brightly colored fish that will surely brighten up any aquarium. With a lifespan of around three years and overall peaceful nature, they are easy to care for. Anyone who wishes to keep a betta fish should set up the tank a day in advance so that the fish can be accommodated properly and taken care of.
Tank Setup And Requirements:
Since betta fish have the labyrinth organ and can breathe air directly, therefore some people assume they can be housed in a bowl. But in reality, they require a properly set up tank with ample space for them to swim around. It is recommended that the tank does not have any current as these fish prefer it this way.
If you have a small collection of fish, a tank of around three to five gallons would be ample. But if you have a number of community fish, it is a wise approach to estimate the size of the tank by adding one gallon of water for every inch of the fish size once it is fully grown. You can also lay down a layer of gravel or add aquarium plants and rocks etc. to the aquarium if you want to.
Having a heating system is also necessary as these fish are highly temperature sensitive. They do well in an aquarium where the temperature lies between 78-82℉.
Tank Mates And Compatibility:
Overall betta fish are peaceful community fish. It is okay to house one male or female betta fish in an aquarium with other fish. But as the name Siamese fighting fish indicates, the male betta fish tend to get aggressive around each other. Therefore, housing a couple of males in the same aquarium is not a great idea.
As far as female bettas are concerned, they are comparatively calmer and multiple females can be kept in a community tank. But bear in mind that the males and females should not be in the same aquarium as they can cause trouble.
Feeding:
Betta fish are carnivorous. In their natural habitat they survive by feeding on larvae and small insects. In aquariums, they need a protein rich diet and can be fed pellets, flakes and even frozen food. Many options of food specifically tailored for betta fish are readily available in the market and online.
Feed the fish in smaller quantities, an amount that can easily be consumed within one to two minutes so the aquarium remains clean. Also make sure that the frozen food is thawed properly before feeding the fish. It is ideal to crush the pellets into smaller size if you own baby betta fish. This makes eating a lot easier for them.
