Betta-Red Male Halfmoon

Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) Care Guide

Quick Description

• Beautiful, colourful freshwater fish known for their flowing fins and vibrant personalities
• Scientific name: Betta splendens
• Native to shallow, slow-moving waters in Southeast Asia
• Intelligent and interactive fish that often recognise their owners
• Best kept as solitary fish, especially males
• Excellent choice for beginner to intermediate fishkeepers when properly housed

Adult Size

• Typically 6–7cm

Lifespan

• Average 2–5 years with proper care

Temperament

• Semi-aggressive to aggressive
• Males should be housed alone
• Females may sometimes be kept in carefully managed groups (experienced keepers only)
• May harass slow-moving or long-finned tank mates
• Can be territorial

Minimum Tank Size

• 20 litres minimum
• Larger tanks provide better stability and easier maintenance

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 25–28°C
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: below 20 ppm
• Moderate hardness acceptable

Tank Setup

• Gentle filtration (avoid strong flow)
• Heater required
• Secure lid (bettas can jump)
• Plenty of plants and hiding areas
• Floating plants highly beneficial
• Smooth décor only (avoid sharp objects that can tear fins)
• Dim to moderate lighting preferred

Feeding

• Carnivorous / insectivorous
• High-quality betta pellets as staple diet
• Supplement with:
  • Frozen bloodworms
  • Brine shrimp
  • Daphnia
  • Mosquito larvae
• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small portions only (what they can eat in 30–60 seconds)
• Fast one day per week if prone to bloating

Compatibility

Suitable tank mates (with caution in larger tanks):

• Corydoras (peaceful species)
• Kuhli loaches
• Small rasboras
• Ember tetras
• Snails
• Amano shrimp (some bettas may still attack shrimp)

Avoid:

• Other male bettas
• Fin-nipping fish
• Tiger barbs
• Guppies / fancy livebearers
• Aggressive cichlids
• Fast, boisterous fish

Behaviour

• Often rests on leaves or décor
• May build bubble nests
• Curious and interactive
• Breathes atmospheric air using labyrinth organ

Maintenance

• Weekly 20–30% water changes
• Gravel vacuum substrate regularly
• Keep water stable—bettas dislike sudden changes
• Rinse filter media in tank water only

Common Issues

• Fin rot
• Ich / white spot
• Swim bladder issues
• Constipation / bloating
• Velvet
• Stress from poor water quality or strong current

Important Notes

• Bettas should not be kept in bowls or tiny containers
• Warm, clean, filtered water is essential
• Long-finned varieties may struggle in strong flow
• Individual temperament varies greatly

Great For

• Desktop aquariums (properly sized)
• Planted nano tanks
• Beginners willing to provide correct setup