The betta, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a real eye-catcher in the aquarium. With its graceful fins and bright colors, it seems made to show off—but don't be fooled: behind that beautiful exterior lies a fish with character and specific care requirements. Forget that little bowl on the windowsill; this fish wants a full-fledged mini-world. 🌿
A betta needs at least 20–40 liters of heated water (24°C), gentle filtration, plenty of plants, a lid, and a varied diet. It lives alone and enjoys peace and quiet in the tank.
Where does a betta fish live naturally?
To truly understand your betta, you need to know its origins. In the wild, bettas live in rice paddies, ditches, and stagnant ponds in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These waters are warm (24 to even 30°C), low in oxygen, and teeming with vegetation. This is why the betta has adapted so uniquely:
- It has a labyrinth organ for breathing air from the surface.
- It seeks shelter among dense plants and floating plants .
- He doesn't like currents, but he does like warm, stable water.
- He is territorial — in the wild he will defend a small patch of water from intruders.
How big should the aquarium be for a betta?
On forums and in the hobby world, almost all experts agree: a betta doesn't belong in a bowl. For a healthy fish, you need at least 20 liters, but 30–40 liters is ideal for stable water parameters and more plants. A small heater and a quiet filter are essential.
- Temperature: 24–26 °C (29 °C for a short period is possible for breeding, but not structurally).
- pH: 6.5–7.5.
- GH: 4–10 (soft to medium-hard water).
- Filter: sponge filter or internal filter with soft outflow.
- Plants: Anubias, Limnophila, Cabomba, Java fern and floating plants such as Salvinia or Pistia.
- Lid: Absolutely essential! Bettas jump, and their labyrinthine organs need air.
What does a betta fish eat?
A betta is a carnivore with a short digestive system. In the wild, it feeds on insect larvae, small crustaceans, and worms. In the aquarium, you can simulate this with:
- Pellets: Special betta food with at least 35–45% protein. Choose small, slow-sinking pellets.
- Frozen food: red or black mosquito larvae, artemia, daphnia.
- Live food: grindal worms, fruit flies or micro worms (for extra activity).
💡 Tip: Feed small portions once or twice a day. One fasting day a week prevents constipation. Many bettas are sensitive to too much dry food; variety is key!
What are common betta fish diseases?
Even with proper care, a betta can develop health problems. Fortunately, you can prevent most issues with clean water, a stable temperature, and a varied diet.
- Fin rot: usually due to poor water quality. Symptoms: frayed fins. Solution: change the water and, if necessary, use a bactericidal agent.
- Swim bladder problems: fish floats crookedly or stays on top. This is often caused by too much dry food. Let him fast for a day and then feed him frozen food.
- Stress: pale color, little activity. Check temperature, water flow, and setup.
What Mistakes Do Beginners Make With Bettas (And How to Avoid Them)?
- Using a bowl: Bettas need space, a heater, and a filter. A bowl is too small and unstable.
- Too much flow: break the flow with wood, plants or a spray bar.
- Incorrect tankmates: Bettas live alone. Only peaceful shrimp or snails can sometimes work, but no other males or fin-biting fish.
- Too cold water: below 24°C slows down their metabolism and makes them susceptible to disease.
Betta Care Checklist
- ✅ 20–40 liter aquarium with heater and filter
- ✅ Temperature 24–26 °C
- ✅ pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–10
- ✅ Gentle current, lots of plants and hiding places
- ✅ Varied diet: pellets, frozen, live food
- ✅ Weekly water change (20–30%)
- ✅ One fasting day per week
Conclusion: Is a betta fish difficult to care for?
A betta isn't a "bowl fish," but it's also not an impossible fish. With some basic knowledge, attention, and love, it's actually a rewarding species to keep. Give it warm, clean water, rest, and a varied diet—and it will reveal its full potential. 🐠
Want to be sure your aquarium is betta-proof? Feel free to send me a message 📲 – I'd be happy to take a look!
Read more: Which fish can be kept with a betta? · Fish for beginners
Product tip(s): Aquarium wood
