Betta Fighter Fish Care For Sheet

Betta Fish Facts:

 Average Adult Size: 2 ½ inches long, not including tail

Average Life Span: up to 3 years

Diet: Insectivore

Minimum Aquarium Size: 8L

CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Bettas breathe from the water’s surface with their labyrinth organ, in addition to their gills.
  • Bettas will “flare” fins when threatened or disturbed.
  • Male Bettas will attack other male Bettas and males have also been known to attack similar-looking fish and fish with flowing fins.

HABBITAT MAINTENANCE:

Daily: Check filter, water temperature and other equipment (if used).

Weekly: check water quality at least once a week. Do a complete water change for small bowls (less than 2 gallons) once every two weeks. In larger aquariums, change 10–25% of the total volume of water every 2–4 weeks, or more often as needed.

COMPATIBILITY:

Male: Bettas must be kept in individual tanks or be the only Betta in a community aquarium.

Female: Bettas can be kept in a community tank. Do not keep, male and female Bettas together.

HOUSING:

Keep in an appropriate size aquarium. Bettas must be able to breathe from the surface of the water. They prefer water with little or no current. Male Bettas are usually kept individually in smaller containers or aquariums, but do best in containers of 1L (approximately a quarter of a gallon) or larger. Male Bettas can live successfully in a community tank that does not have aggressive fish (such as tiger barbs) or fish that Bettas may become aggressive toward (such as fancy guppies). Female Bettas may be housed with other community fish or other female Bettas. Stable water quality, water temperature and pH levels are critical to the health of aquatic life. If you are unsure of your water quality or Ph levels, Pampered Petz Hornsby provides offer free water testing.

DIET:

A well-balanced Betta diet consists of, a variety of flaked, pellet or frozen food to ensure complete nutrition.

FEEDING:

Things to remember when feeding your Betta: Feed sparingly 3 times per week and no more than fish can eat in 3–5 minutes; overfeeding can quickly foul the water, especially in smaller, unfiltered aquariums. Thaw frozen foods before feeding. Baby Bettas require a smaller pellet when feeding.

SIGNS IF BETTA HEALTHY:

Active and alert Eats regularly Vibrant colors (males only) Reacts aggressively to outside stimulus Avoid overcrowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease. Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration

COMMON HEALTH ISSUES:

Fin Rot Frayed or disintegrating fins; the base of the fins usually reddens. Improve water quality; consult with your pet store for treatment. Ich White spots appear on fins and body; fish rubs against hard objects or swims awkwardly. Quarantine fish immediately; use commercial ich remedy for at least two weeks.

OTHER COMMON ISSUES:

Below are other common issues which can accure with your betta fish. If notice any of these signs below talk to your pet store.

  • Loss of color or appetite
  • Spots or fungus on body or mouth
  • Listlessness
  • Labored breathing

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

  • Appropriate size aquarium
  • Appropriate dry and frozen food
  • Décor
  • Water conditioner
  • Fish net
  • Thermometer
  • Heater
  • Medication treatment

The above information is only meant as a guide, and you should not hesitate to contact our helpful staff if you have any concerns. Info above does not replace your vet advice.