Caring for your Betta Fish 

In this blog, we'll delve into essential tips and advice to help you create the ideal environment for your Betta fish, maintain their health, and provide the right care they need to flourish. Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a beginner embarking on your first fish-keeping adventure, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary insights to keep your Betta happy and thriving. From tank setup and water quality to feeding practices and common health concerns, we’ve got you covered!

The scientific name for Betta fish is Betta splendens. This species is also commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish or Japanese fighting fish and it’s part of the family Osphronemidae. Betta splendens is renowned for its vivid colours and elaborate fins, making it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts.

Where do Betta's Originate From?

Bettas, originate from the beautiful landscapes of Thailand and can also be found in many neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as other regions across Asia.

Unfortunately today betta fish are considered a vulnerable species, as their habitat has been lost due to urban development and farmland.

In their natural habitat, wild bettas occupy shallow streams, along with rice paddies and other slow-flowing water columns that can stretch for miles, the (false) idea that they live in a puddle comes from the fact that Thailand and the areas surrounding it are prone to dry seasons due to irregular rainfall which can, at times, last a few months. When there is a drought betta fish can sometimes end up in small puddles for a small period of time, however, Betta fish are very good at jumping and propelling themselves forward to find larger bodies of water.

It is also worth noting that wild-type bettas are in a lot of ways, very different to their domesticated counterparts.

Common Misconceptions about Bettas

It must be stressed that bettas do not spend their life in puddles and therefore should not be kept in small containers, there is a perpetuated idea in the hobby and fish trade industry that is often used to wrongly justify small containers, jars or bowls. At Horizon, we make sure all of our bettas have their own tank with ample swim space whilst they wait for their forever home.

Betta Care

Bettas are often thought of as beginner fish, and whilst with the right knowledge, they are fairly easy to care for, they are very sensitive fish and do require very specific requirements to ensure their health remains stable.

Tank size

We recommend a minimum tank size of 30 litres for a betta fish, but larger is always better. You'll quickly notice that a healthy betta is quite an active fish and enjoys swimming around and exploring its environment.

The only exception to this recommendation is if you are considering a long-finned or delicate finned betta, such as a Dumbo's, Rose Tail, Half Moons, Delta Tail, or Crown Tails (crown tails have a very unique tail but can cause them some swimming issues) to name a few. These variants have delicate and heavier fins, and they tend to do better in smaller tanks (around 20 litres) with minimal water flow.

Excessive flow can lead to fin nipping, where the betta struggles to swim properly and may start to nip its own tail. This can be distressing for the fish and result in various difficult to treat health issues, including bacterial infections. Therefore, selecting the right tank size and flow rate for your betta is vital from the start.

Filtration & Flow

As previously mentioned, Bettas, regardless of their tail size, prefer gentle water flow. It's advisable to use a filter with an adjustable flow rate or to mitigate the current using plants and hardscape. If you observe your Betta being swept around uncontrollably or hiding in a corner away from the flow, you may need to make some adjustments to improve their comfort.

Water Parameters for Bettas

Bettas generally thrive in soft, slightly acidic water. While excessive breeding and domestication have made them more adaptable, it is still advisable to maintain a pH of 7 or below. Bettas often do best in blackwater setups, which include plenty of leaf litter and tannins. This not only lowers the pH and increases acidity but also closely resembles their natural habitat, promoting their overall well-being.

However we understand blackwater setups aren't always to everyones taste, and thats okay, just makes sure to give your betta lots of places to feel safe and sheltered and lots of plants.

Temperature

Aside from tank size, the temperature of a betta tank is another topic of contention.

Temperature is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy environment for Betta fish. Keeping your Betta in water that is too cold can lead to a variety of health issues, and sick Bettas can be challenging to treat, especially for those with little experience.

Ideal Temperature Range:
Bettas thrive in warm water, with the ideal temperature range being 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F).

Effects of Cold Water:

• Lethargy: In colder conditions, Bettas become sluggish and may spend more time resting at the bottom of the tank.
• Loss of Appetite: A drop in temperature can cause Bettas to go off their food, which can quickly lead to malnutrition.
• Susceptibility to Illness: Cold water weakens a Betta's immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

Diet

Bettas are predominantly insectivores, thriving on a diet primarily composed of insects and small invertebrates. In captivity, it is essential to replicate their natural dietary habits by feeding them a high-protein diet. High-quality Betta pellets formulated specifically for their nutritional needs should be a staple, with the first ingredient being a source of animal protein, like fish meal or shrimp meal.

We recommend Ocean Nutrition Atisons Betta Food and Fish Science Tropical Fish Granular Food, there are many foods on the market, just be sure to check that insect protein is the main ingredient.

To enhance their diet, frozen or live foods such as daphnia, microworms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms can be offered a few times a week, promoting better digestion and overall health.

Rotating between pellets, live or frozen foods, and occasional treats ensures a balanced diet and keeps feeding interesting. Monitoring their behavior and appearance is important, as changes may indicate dietary deficiencies or health issues. By providing a varied and balanced diet that reflects their natural insectivorous tendencies, you can help ensure your Betta fish remain healthy, active, and vibrant.

Tank Decor

Bettas thrive in planted aquariums, where the plants not only enhance water quality but also offer essential shelter and resting spots. These fish often enjoy hiding and resting among the foliage, making broad-leaved plants ideal for this purpose. In addition to plants, incorporating driftwood and rocks can create a stimulating environment; however, it is crucial to ensure that any hardscape elements do not have sharp or jagged edges that could potentially damage your Bettas' delicate fins.

Tank Mates for Bettas

Male Bettas should never be kept with another Betta, whether male or female, due to their extreme aggression. These fish can become territorial and will fight to the death if housed together, you must keep them alone or in a larger tank with carefully selected tank mates. Small species like the Chilli Rasbora can coexist peacefully with Bettas, but be cautious with other species, such as tetras, which may be too nippy.

As for keeping shrimp with Bettas, the behavior can vary widely among individual Bettas. Some Bettas may ignore shrimp altogether, while others may view them as potential prey. If a Betta is hungry and the shrimp are small enough to fit in its mouth, there's a good chance the Betta will attempt to eat them. It's important to monitor their interactions closely and assess each Betta's personality when introducing any new tank mates, including shrimp. Overall, ensuring a harmonious community tank requires careful planning and attention to the unique temperaments of each fish.

Female Bettas

Whilst we dont stock female bettas, it's important to highlight that female Bettas can be just as aggressive as their male counterparts. While some people do keep groups of females, this practice is not recommended by us. In a female Betta sorority, establishing a hierarchy is often necessary, but this can lead to stress and bullying among the fish. The resulting conflict can create a hostile environment that may ultimately harm or even lead to the death of weaker individuals.

Tank Maintenance

A clean tank reduces the risk of infections and illness, therefore weekly water changes of 30-50% is key, make sure you match the temperatures to avoid giving your fish cold water shock and be sure to use a dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime, which also has the added benefit of essential ions which boosts your fishes ability to produce healthy slime coating.

The Sad Truth about Bettas

Sadly, Bettas are among the most misunderstood and mistreated fish in the aquarium hobby. Far too often, they are sold in small cups or holding jars, leading to inadequate living conditions that overlook their need for proper care. This pervasive misunderstanding results in many Bettas being kept in cramped and unsuitable environments. Change begins with education, and our mission is to ensure the well-being of these beautiful fish. At Horizon Aquatics, we are passionate about advocating for the best care practices for Bettas, striving to raise awareness and promote better living conditions for them in the aquarium community.