🐟 Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)

📖 Description

The Betta fish is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for its vibrant colours, flowing fins, and bold personality.

Native to Southeast Asia, bettas are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air from the surface, making them well-suited to calm, low-flow aquariums.

Males are especially striking and territorial, often displaying brilliant colours like red, blue, purple, and metallic shades. Bettas are intelligent and interactive, often recognising their owners and responding to movement outside the tank.

📊 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens

• Common Name: Betta / Siamese Fighting Fish

• Care Level: Easy

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (males)

• Size: ±6–7 cm

• Lifespan: 2–5 years

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30L

• Temperature: 25–28°C

• pH: 6.5 – 7.5

• Filtration: Gentle (low flow)

• Heater: Required

👉 Bettas prefer calm water — avoid strong currents.

🌿 Tank Setup

• Live or silk plants (avoid sharp plastic)

• Hiding spots (driftwood, caves)

• Lid recommended (bettas can jump)

• Low to moderate lighting

👉 A planted tank helps reduce stress and enhances colour.

🍽️ Feeding

• High-quality betta pellets (main diet)

• Frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)

• Feed once or twice daily in small amounts

⚠️ Avoid overfeeding — bettas are prone to bloating.

🤝 Tank Mates

Suitable:

• Snails

• Shrimp (may be eaten)

• Peaceful bottom dwellers (e.g., Corydoras)

Avoid:

• Other male bettas ❌

• Fin-nipping fish

• Very active/aggressive species

⚠️ Common Issues

• Fin rot (poor water quality)

• Swim bladder issues (overfeeding)

• Stress from strong flow or small tanks

👉 Regular water changes = healthy betta

💡 Care Tips

• Always use a heater — room temp is not enough

• Keep water clean and stable

• Provide resting spots near the surface

• Avoid mirrors or constant stress triggers

🛒 Why Choose a Betta?

• Perfect for nano tanks

• Bright, eye-catching colours

• Interactive and easy to care for

• Great for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike