Betta Fish Care FAQ

Below you will find some frequently asked questions about betta fish care.

• How long do bettas live?
• Can I put two betta males or two betta females together?
• Can I put my betta with other fish in the same aquarium?
• Can I put my betta fish in a small bowl?
• What's an ideal water temperature for my betta?
• How to heat water in a small bowl?
• What do bettas eat?
• Do I need to use filtered water for the tank?
• How often should I clean the tank?
• What plants should I get for the tank?
• What do I need in my betta's 1st aid kit?
• Is Betta splendens different from betta fish?
• How can I tell male and female bettas apart?

How long do betta fish live?

They typically live 2–3 years. But it is possible for them to live as long as 5 years.

Can I put two betta males or two betta females together?

Two or more male bettas are not a good idea – they tend to fight with each other, and not just for fun. They are very territorial. Female bettas can also be aggressive, but it's possible for them to learn to coexist. But get at least three of them – that way they will form a pack. If there are only two, there will be keen competition. Bettas do best, however, when housed alone.

Can I put my betta with other fish in the same aquarium?

Yes, as long as the other fish are not aggressive. But each betta is different, so observe carefully and be prepared to remove your betta, if problems come up.

Can I put my betta fish in a bowl?

You can, but your betta won't be very happy or healthy. Just like humans, they need to exercise so give them enough room to swim. It's best to keep them in at two gallons of water. And if you really want them to have optimal conditions, use a 5 gallon tank. Also, the tank should have a lid – bettas can jump right out of their tank. The lid needs to allow air flow into the tank, because bettas breathe surface air.

What's an ideal water temperature for my betta?

Bettas need warm water – between 78–82 degrees Fahrenheit. Get a thermometer for your betta's tank, to make sure that the temperature stays constant. It should't vary by more than 2 degrees.

How to heat water in a small bowl?

To warm water in a fish bowl, remove the bowl from the area right by the window and put it under a desk lamp. Excessive sunlight can cause growth of a great amount of algae. Make sure you measure the temperature with a thermometer so you can monitor the temperature regularly and make sure it stays in the range from 76 to 82 all the time. Don't allow it to fluctuate more than 3 degrees in a day...

Another method is to use a heating pad, similar to those used for reptiles. Wrap the fishbowl with fairly thick towels without covering up the opening.

The best solution would be to get a larger tank, though. If it's 2.5 gallons or larger, it can be heated with an aquarium heater. As you well know, I am a big proponent of adequate space for your Betta! That usually means a minimum of 5 gallons.

What do bettas eat?

Believe it or not, bettas are carnivores and need high–protein food: flakes, live food, freeze dried, pellets, etc. Make sure you vary your betta's diet. Otherwise it may become constipated. Some of the best foods are BettaMin and Hikari Betta Bio-Gold.

Do I need to use filtered water for the tank?

You have to use a water conditioner which removes chlorine, chloramines, and ammonia from the water.

How often should I clean the tank?

At least once a week, depending on the tank size.

What plants should I get for the tank?

Whatever plants you get, they have to be soft and delicate enough not to harm betta's fins. Use the 'pantyhose test': If a plastic plant will snag a pair of pantyhose when rubbed against it, then it will damage your betta's fins. Silk aquarium plants are generally ok, although live plants would be a great addition to an aquarium and help to keep water conditions in the ideal range.

What do I need in my betta's 1st aid kit?

Here ar some of the items you should always have on hand in case of an emergency: aquarium salt, extra food, extra bottle of water conditioner, bottled spring water if the tank water becomes contaminated, Tetracycline, Fungus eliminator , Betta max, Melafix, Ph test strips , ammonia test kit and pepso food.

Is Betta splendens different from betta fish?

No, betta splendens is also known as siamese fighting fish or simply betta fish or just betta.

How can I tell male and female bettas apart?

Male bettas have long, flowing fins and their bodies are often longer than females. Female bettas, although just as brightly colored, will be smaller and have shorter fins. Also, females have a small white egg tube called ovipositor that protrudes from underside their body. Females are often more spunky than males and can move around in the tank much faster thanks to their shorter fins.