Fishes are considered as one of the safest options for people who are very busy as they do not require much time like other pets such as dogs. But one cannot deny the fact that there are some of the most beautiful and exotic fish that soothes our eyes. Betta or fighter or Siamese fighting fish, whatever you call them, they are one of the most beautiful species of fish to own. Betta fish are very sturdy and can live for two to four years or even longer sometimes.
This article is all about betta fish, everything you need to know about them. Male bettas cannot be kept together, on the other hand, female bettas can live peacefully in the same tank. Secondly, bettas are also known as labyrinth fishes, they can take their oxygen from the surface of the water. They can be kept in larger bowls or aquariums. If you plan to keep them in a bowl then only one betta fish should be kept. The bowl must be at least one quarter in volume. The room temperature should be above 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you plan to put them in an aquarium with other fishes then the tank should be large enough. The aquarium should be kept away from direct sunlight and near a power source. Put an undergravel filter with 1-2 inches of gravel at the bottom. Fill half the tank with dechlorinated water and then decorate it with your desired products. Do not forget to wash each item before putting inside the tank.
While cleaning the tank do not replace all the water, keep some of it and add fresh water to it, this will help the fish to adjust to the pH and temperature of the clean water. Repeat it every 3-4 days. Put some dechlorinator in the water if it is highly chlorinated. Do not use soap to clean the tank or any of its accessories as its toxic for the fishes. The tank-water should not be too cool as bettas are tropical fish and swim in warm water; their tank must also contain warm water. So, a tank heater is necessary.
Now, it's time for their food, basically bettas are omnivorous in nature and eat both plants and insects. You can give them pellet fish food or freeze-dried brine shrimp, blood worms. 2-6 pellets are sufficient for a betta per day. live worms can also be fed to the betta fishes but if there are gravels at the bottom of the tank then you have to be extra careful as these foods can settle down in the crevices of the gravels.
Well, generally bettas can stay alone in a bowl but if kept in a tank with other fishes then choose them correctly. A goldfish is a big no as goldfish needs cool water whereas bettas require warmer water, also bettas get intimidated by the more colorful and bigger fish. Few of the fishes that dwell well with bettas are guppies, catfish, blue gouramis, neon and ember tetras.
In bettas you will find a lot of vibrant and colorful varieties for example; veil tail, combtail, crown tail, half moon, half sun, rosetail, bi-colored, dragon, black, blue, steel, and many more.
So, while bringing a fighter home keep these things in your mind. and enjoy your time with our new best friend.
