Betta Fish Care Guide (Betta splendens)

Betta splendens, commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish, is one of the most popular aquarium species worldwide. Admired for their brilliant colors and flowing fins, bettas are hardy, interactive fish that, with proper care, can live 3–5 years or longer in captivity.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10L is required, though a 20L+ aquarium is strongly recommended for long-term health and stability.

• Water Temperature: Maintain between 24–28°C with a reliable heater.

• Filtration: Use a gentle sponge or low-flow filter to provide water circulation and biological filtration without stressing delicate fins.

• Substrate & Decor: Smooth gravel or sand with hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and live plants. Avoid sharp decorations that may tear fins.

• Lighting: Provide 8–10 hours of light daily, replicating natural day/night cycles.

Water Parameters

• pH: 6.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Adding Catappa leaves or extract can help replicate natural blackwater habitats while reducing bacterial load.

• kH & gH: Moderate hardness preferred. Stable water chemistry is more important than exact values.

• Ammonia/Nitrite: Always 0 ppm. Live plants assist in reducing ammonia levels.

• Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm with regular water changes.

• Water Changes: Replace 25–50% weekly, adjusted for tank size and stocking.

Feeding

• Diet: High-quality betta pellets, live or dry blackworms, or granules as the staple diet.

• Variety: Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia for optimal nutrition.

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 times daily, only what can be eaten within 2 minutes. Avoid overfeeding.

Behavior & Tankmates

• Temperament: Males are territorial and must not be housed together.

• Suitable Tankmates: Peaceful species such as small rasboras, corydoras, otocinclus, or snails. Avoid fin-nipping fish.

• Solitary Option: Bettas thrive when kept alone in a properly maintained aquarium.

Health & Maintenance

• Common Issues: Fin rot, ich, bloating, and stress-related conditions, often linked to poor water quality.

• Prevention: Maintain clean, stable water conditions and avoid overfeeding.

• Signs of Good Health: Vibrant coloration, active swimming, strong feeding response, and (in males) regular bubble nest building.

Enrichment

• Plants: Live plants such as Anubias, Java fern, and Amazon sword, as well as floating species like Red Root Floater, provide shelter and resting spots.

• Surface Resting: Bettas appreciate floating leaves or betta hammocks for resting near the water’s surface.

• Interaction: Bettas are intelligent and recognize their owners. Gentle interaction, changing decor, or adding enrichment helps keep them stimulated.

✅ Key Tip for Beginners: While hardy, bettas thrive best in a warm, filtered, and stable environment. A small bowl is unsuitable for long-term health and should not be used as a permanent habitat.