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Betta Fish Care Starter Pack for Beginners
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Betta Fish Care Starter Pack for Beginners

perroEditorial
Sep 12, 2021
9 min
956 views

Betta fish are characterized as small-sized, colorful fins and freshwater fishes usually found in pet stores. These fish have numerous breeds and are named according to their tails’ shape. From crown, moon, and half-spiked tail, you will find betta in various tail shapes. If you are a beginner pet parent, betta fishes are the optimal choice as they require minimal maintenance.

 

Siamese Fighting fish is the common name of one of the most popular freshwater fish, betta fish, which grow to between two to three inches in length. Betta fish was found 150 years ago in Siam, nowadays known as Thailand. Different breeds of betta fish include Crowntail, Double Tail, Combtail, Plakat, Super Delta, Feather Tail, Half Moon, FanTail, and Veiltail.

 

This article will provide all the information about betta fish to people new to this aquarium hobby. Let’s dive in deeper to learn more about Betta Splendens.

 

What Do Betta Fish Eat?

Plant-based food is not appropriate for bettas. They generally feed on small meaty fishes, insect larvae, or creatures in the wild such as bloodworms, shrimp, worms, and daphnia. These carnivorous fishes need a high-protein diet when kept in captivity, such as meat pellets. Therefore, make sure not to feed betta fish a plant-based diet solely as it won’t be adequate to maintain proper nutrient level.

 

Lacking protein in their diet can make bettas sick and eventually die. The recommended diet for these fighting fishes is two to four pellets twice a day. Also, fresh or frozen food for fishes will be a good source of protein and the best alternative for pellets. Many ichthyologists suggest tetra food for betta fish as it contains all the nutrients that they need to stay healthy.

 

 

Betta Fish Tank Setup

Being a freshwater fish, setting up an aquarium for bettas is not a daunting task. Just by selecting the right size, water temperature, and lighting, your job is half done. If you are a beginner fish parent, you need to do some shopping to set up the perfect tank. A 5-gallon tank is an apt size for keeping a single fish, but if you want to buy more than one betta fish, you can always buy a larger one. In order to ensure the water temperature stays between 25 to 27°C, you need to purchase an apt size heater too. Bettas are known to jump out of their tanks, so be sure to purchase a tank with a lid. Lastly, add an aquarium light, some artificial plants, and a sponge filter to complete the setup.

 

Can Betta Fish Live With Other Fish?

Betta fish are a bit feisty, which makes it appropriate to be housed with other fishes. Their nature is territorial, and they can indulge in a fight with other fishes entering the territory, which can result in death. However, the right mix of bettas can be non-aggressive and share a tank just like best mates.

 

Be informed about the fish’s gender before keeping them together, as two betta male fishes will not go well together. Keep them in a big tank with opposite sex betta fish, female ones together, or even alone. They don’t feel lonely. However, if left in a small tank without ornaments, they might get bored.

 

Nevertheless, you can still keep them with other species of tank mates, including ghost shrimps and snails.

 

 

How To Tell If My Betta Fish Is Healthy?

If you notice your betta fish swimming around in the tank fairly, it is happy and healthy. But if you observe a little fading in their color, they might be sick. It is quite easy to spot signs of sickness in your betta fish. A healthy betta fish exhibits the following signs:

 

  • Fins would be whole with no holes.
  • A healthy appetite
  • No signs of parasites
  • No visible scratches and swelling
  • Performing normal activities
  • Not hiding
  • Getting along with other tank mates
  • The color looks vibrant as usual

These are some signs that ensure that your betta fish is healthy and happy. If you notice otherwise, you should change tank water, give medication, or consult a fish doctor.

 

Now that you know everything about Betta Fish, you are ready to welcome your new pet to your family!