The bubbles act as a safe haven for the eggs during incubation and for the fry until they are old enough to swim and get oxygen from the surface on their own. Bubble nests, which are also commonly referred to as foam nests, are created by gulping air and blowing oral secretion (saliva) bubbles, near the surface of the water.

In your tank, you can identify a bubble nest as the collection of bubbles on the surface of the water. The male will instinctively build a bubble nest with or without a female present. This is why you may find a bubble nest in your tank even if your betta has never seen or had contact with a female.

Bubble Nests and Mating In The Wild

In the wild, a male betta fish must fight for his territory against others. Once his territory is established, his nest is typically built under leaves or other types of debris. If a female is present for mating, and she deems the nest suitable, the male will coax her under the nest until she submits.

After the male’s embrace and the spawning have occurred, it’s the male’s job to collect the eggs with his mouth, and then place them in the bubble nest. There he guards the eggs, ensuring they do not fall out of the nest. He protects them from potential predators until they are old enough to survive on their own. Mating in captivity is, however, only recommended for experienced hobbyists.

Betta Bubble Nest Building Frequency

All betta fish are unique, and therefore the frequency of their nest building will also be unique. Some bettas may build one on a regular basis, while others might be more infrequent or not at all. Daily, weekly, or monthly are all common time-frames for male bettas to construct a nest.

Some nests are large, some are small, and their thickness can also vary. Regular bubble nest construction can be a sign that your betta fish is happy and healthy, and would be suitable for mating. It’s also an indication that your betta feels safe and has established his tank as his territory. Adequate plants and places to hide will help to create a less-stressful and safe environment.

What If A Male Betta Is Not Making A Bubble Nest?

If you have never seen your betta fish build a bubble nest, don’t panic! There is no real necessity for him to build a nest unless you plan on breeding. A lack of nest building behavior does not necessarily mean your betta is unhappy or unhealthy.

Properly caring for a betta fish does go a long way in providing the right environment and conditions for nest building.

Bubble Nest Motivation (how to encourage making one)

Different stimuli have been associated with nest building behavior. These may include changes in temperature, fluctuations in rainfall, barometric changes, tank materials, and the presence of females, or even other males.

Whether you’re interested in breeding your betta or just curious what a bubble nest looks like in person, there are ways to help encourage your betta to construct one.

DIY Floating Debris

While live plants found in their natural habitat, like the Indian Almond Leaf, are best, you can also use regularly found household items if you’re on a budget. Floating debris encourages a male betta to build his nest under it because of the protection it provides.

Take a styrofoam cup and cut it in half lengthwise. Then lay it on the surface of the water. Check back periodically for any signs of a nest being constructed beneath it.

Plastic lids from food containers also work well. The lid from a Pringles Chip can, for example, is a decent size and easy to add to the surface of the water. Make sure any item you introduce has been cleaned with hot water (no soap) first.

How To Clean Your Tank Without Ruining A Betta’s Nest

What if you find this wonderful work of art called a bubble nest and it’s time for a cleaning? First, you’re filled with excitement. Next comes anxiety about what to do with the nest and how to clean your tank without ruining the bubble nest your betta worked so hard to create.

It’s perfectly fine to destroy the nest for cleaning purposes as long as it doesn’t contain eggs. It’s more of a priority to have a clean tank than it is to salvage the nest. In fact, your betta will be less interested in making bubble nests again if the water is dirty. Worse yet, he could get sick.

If you’re feeling really guilty about keeping the nest intact, you can scoop up the nest with a plastic cup. Once you’re done cleaning the tank, gently place the nest back on the surface of the water.

If you have any further questions about why, how, when, or just want to share your own betta fish bubble nest stories, leave a comment below.

The post Why Do Betta Fish Make Bubbles? appeared first on Bettafish.org.

If possible, purchase a betta from a passionate local or online breeder. These bettas should have received better care from fry to adulthood and may have improved genetics. For many people, however, that’s not an option and the easiest location is a pet store chain.

Some big box pet stores have improved their betta’s conditions and level of care but it can vary by location significantly. I have seen some with bettas in community tanks, others with sororities, and some in large divided tanks. It’s still very difficult to know how their suppliers have handled their fish and how much stress they have undergone.

Bettas being sold with fully developed fins are typically around 6-12 months old for males and females. Females may be on the lower end because they reach fin maturity quicker. Baby bettas are between 4-8 weeks old.

What is the oldest betta?

The oldest betta ever recorded was 10 years old. With the right genetics, environment, and care from the onset of a betta’s life, they can live up to 6 or 7 years or more. Many owners have reported life spans of 8 years, but that’s not realistic for every betta.

Because there are so many myths about the proper care for this species in captivity, their life spans are drastically reduced and almost always cut in half. Bettas tend to be a first-time fish keepers choice (or gift) because of their level of care, resilience and beauty. This often leads to betta keeping before doing the proper research on how to care for them.

How long do betta fish live in the wild?

Betta fish typically live to 2 years old in the wild. In captivity they live longer because of improved care, food availability, and less dangers.

How long do betta fish live in a bowl?

A betta fish’s life span will almost always be significantly reduced if you house them in unfiltered and unheated bowls. This is especially true if they are under 2 gallons in size and proper maintenance is not adhered to. Stick to eating cereal out of bowls, not housing fish in them!

Most pet stores display betta fish in small plastic cups because of their aggression and territorial nature. While it’s not an excuse, they often don’t allocate the proper space it would take to set up large divided tanks for their betta inventory.

Small cups and bowls are temporary habitats since cohabitation is tricky with females and other fish, and not possible with males. Also, just because pet stores sell small tanks and bowls (1 gallon) this is not the correct habitat for them.

Buy a healthy betta fish

It’s always unclear how a betta has been cared for when coming from suppliers and unknown breeders. This means a betta may have been subjected to cramped environments, no dividers, diseases, and parasites which can shorten their life span.

Getting a healthy betta from the start is a key factor in how long they will live. Healthy betta fish will have bright coloring (males), no scale or fin damage, and be active and feisty upon your presence.

Improve how long your betta fish will live

Getting back to the most important elements in a betta’s life expectancy, there are certain things you can do to help your betta fish live longer.

Feed the right food

Provide rich and abundant food that’s high in protein and fiber. Most betta fish won’t even touch regular tropical fish flakes because this food is inadequate for their needs. While a high quality betta pellet is a great start, you should also consider incorporating freeze-dried, frozen, or live bloodworms and brine shrimp to really get all of the nutrients they need.

Betta fish have abundant access to prey in the wild and are active carnivores (insectivores to be exact). You need to replicate that same environment in captivity as much as possible, and that means nutrition too. Avoid overfeeding them, because that can lead to complications too.

Provide the right habitat

The recommended habitat size for a betta fish is 5 gallons, with a minimum recommended tank size of 2.5 gallons. They also need lots of spaces to hide and rest to feel safe. Make sure your tank has a top on it too because betta fish are jumpers. They will often leap right out of an uncovered habitat – leading to their death.

Water quality is super important

Do not use distilled water because it has been stripped of the essential nutrients and minerals that betta fish need to be healthy.

Use tap water or spring water if your tap water is not suitable. Make sure to use a water conditioner to make the water safe for a betta. A conditioner removes harmful things like chlorine, heavy metals, and ammonia. If buying spring water is too expensive or not an option you can also use a filtration unit like a Brita for water changes and cycling.

Smaller tanks will also require more frequent cleanings because of their size – it’s simple math! A 1 gallon would require daily partial water changes while maintaining a constant temperature. This is extremely hard to do and leads to constant stress on a betta.

Ammonia builds up as your betta excretes waste into the water and as uneaten food and live plants break down. Poor water quality can stress and harm your betta very quickly. It can even lead to death from prolonged exposure. Keep your betta fish’s tank clean and consider using a filter to reduce ammonia, nitrites, and nitrites.

Bettas need tropical water temperatures

Betta fish are tropical fish and require a steady warm water temperature in the range of 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain this temperature you’ll likely need to purchase a small (~25 watt) heater with a built in thermostat. This will help to keep the tank’s water temperature consistent.

Avoid abrupt temperature changes and avoid colder temperatures at all costs. Extended time in temperatures colder than recommended (especially less than 68 degrees) can stress a betta’s natural immune system and lead to inactivity, refusal to eat, and susceptibility to illness and disease.

Betta knowledge and life span

If you already knew the information above, then good for you! If not, then you’ve got some work to do and you should definitely read the full betta care guide. With the right knowledge and passion, you can expect your betta fish to live for 2-3 years.

Some betta fish will always be more resilient than others (the strong survive). While you can reverse some of the damage from living in small cups and coming from an uncertain past, you may never know the full story of their care or lineage. If your betta fish lives a year or two from the time of purchase, you have likely still been a good fish mom or dad.

The post How Long Do Betta Fish Live? appeared first on Bettafish.org.

There are a bunch of reasons why these pugnacious fish fight each other, but the history behind why betta fish are so aggressive dates back centuries. Betta’s were originally discovered in Southeast Asia in the 1800s. They were brought from their natural habitat in rice paddies and puddles, back to local towns by those working in the fields.

The betta fish and their aggression led to keepers fighting them, betting on the matches, and specifically breeding them for increased aggression. Matches became so widespread the King of Siam regulated these fights by taxing them. This genetic aggression still exists today.

Fighting Myth

Betta fish will not always fight to the absolute death. Most of the time they won’t even get close to that point, unless they’ve been selectively bred for aggression or are trapped in a small tank with nowhere for the less dominant betta to hide. This is especially true for betta splendens or the most common betta’s sold as pets.

Bettas will often damage their opponents scales, gills and tails by nipping and thrashing about. Those injuries, along with infections caused by stress, could, however, kill a betta after fighting. Deliberately making betta fish fight is cruel.

Why Do Male Bettas Fight Each Other?

Male betta fish fight each other because they are incredibly territorial. In the wild, bettas have miles of rivers and paddies to swim through when it’s not drought season. When one male enters another’s territory, the two may show aggression, but a fight may not happen with plenty of room to retreat.

During a fight, the two male bettas will fan out their fins and puff out their gills (flaring) to make themselves look twice as big. This act is done to intimidate and scare off the opponent. If that doesn’t work, they’ll nip at each other until one of the two retreats.

In a tank with no plants or other places to hide, it’s inhumane, to leave them in a tank together. NEVER put two males together without a partition separating them and their visibility to one another.

Male bettas will also fight for food. Betta fish will typically eat as much as you can feed them in captivity. In the wild, however, they have to either find or hunt down their food to survive. In those scenarios, when two males come together, there is no pack mentality, but simply a need to survive.

Males will also fight each other to protect their nests and eggs. When a male betta is ready to mate, he’ll blow a bunch of bubbles on the water’s surface creating what is called a bubble nest. Once his masterpiece is complete, he’ll wait for a female to come along and notice. Any threat to his chances at reproduction will ignite his protective instincts.

Do Female Bettas Fight Each Other?

Females are generally less aggressive than their male counterparts, but they can still be very territorial and will fight one another. They can cohabitate peacefully in groups of female betta fish, known as sororities. Females will generally be aggressive with other females for a little while in a sorority until a natural pecking order is established.

For example, in a 20-gallon tank with 9 female betta fish, one will establish herself as the alpha and the others will submit to her and form smaller packs of their own. Provided no new betta fish are added, disrupting the ecosystem, they will likely live peacefully without incident.

When creating a sorority of females, it’s best to have several in the group and plenty of space for them. A sorority must contain at least 4-5 females. Some females may still be too aggressive for the sorority life.

Larger habitats are best, allowing each betta enough room to claim her own space. Dense plants and hideouts provide betta fish with a safe spot to hide from bullying and to relieve stress. Never add a male to a sorority tank.

Why Do Male and Females Fight Each Other?

Male and female betta fish will fight with each other too. They should never be housed together except during mating and separated immediately after. It’s common for females, for example, to eat the eggs during spawning, so a male will chase off and defend against this behavior.

Males are the ones who place the eggs in the nest and care for them until hatching. They will do whatever it takes to protect their offspring.

Males and females generally fight for the same reasons males fight males and females quarrel with other females. They are territorial fighting fish and don’t cohabitate well with each other.

How Long Do Betta Fish Fight?

If two male bettas find each other in the wild, both will fan out their fins and puff out their gills to look as large as possible. If that doesn’t scare one of them away, the two will nip at each other until one decides to retreat. In most cases, a betta fish fight may last a couple minutes or end immediately.

Fights will last much longer in bettas that have been selectively bred for aggression and usually end with one betta either very injured or dead. Reminder, this is animal cruelty and should never be done in captivity.

Do Bettas Fight Other Fish?

Male and female betta fish are usually kept in small containers at pet stores because of their territorial aggression. These temporary containers are meant to isolate them from each other and other fish. Every betta fish has a different personality and level of aggression. They are also perfectly content living on their own with the right care.

Bettas will fight other fish if:

• The tank is too small for a community ecosystem
• There are not enough spaces to hide
• The other fish resembles a betta fish
• The other fish is brightly colored
• The other fish has long fins
• The other fish is aggressive too

Tank mates should be avoided for inexperienced keepers, but if you want to learn more, visit our tank mate recommendation page.

Avoid tanks smaller than 10 gallons for a community tank with other fish species. You need to provide enough space for everyone to cohabitate without aggravation and overcrowding.

The post Why Do Betta Fish Fight? appeared first on Bettafish.org.

Recommended water parameters

Tap water for betta fish?

The water most readily available for most of us is the water that comes straight from a faucet. Depending on where you live tap water usually has added chemicals like chlorine. These chemicals make tap water safe for us to drink. Those same chemicals that help us are capable of hurting or even killing a betta fish.

Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality, and inexpensive water conditioners to remove chemicals from your tap water in seconds. This makes it safe for your betta fish to live in. There are betta-specific water conditioners and those for freshwater fish in general, either is fine to use.

Tap water is excellent for betta fish because once you remove the chlorine, chloramines, and other heavy metals, it contains a variety of nutrients and minerals betta fish need to thrive. It’s also easy to mix hot and cold water to make it as close as possible to the ideal temperature for your betta’s habitat (test with a thermometer) before adding it.

Betta fish are happiest and healthiest when the water temperature is between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep your water temperature within that range, you may need to purchase a heater for your betta fish if the surrounding air in the room is colder.

Spring water for betta fish (bottled water)?

Bottled spring water is a great alternative to tap water for betta fish. Spring water does not contain chlorine so it’s safe to use in betta tanks. While it’s more expensive, it may be required by those who live in areas with well or extremely hard water. Unlike distilled water, it hasn’t been processed to remove minerals and nutrients.

Always make sure to check the pH of your water before adding it to your tank. Different brands of bottled water contain different pH levels due to their processing. Bottled spring water pH levels may range anywhere from below 6 to higher than 9. Achieving a perfect 7 on the pH scale is very difficult. Oxidation occurs the moment it’s exposed to the open air. Products like pH up or down may be required to treat and alter the pH of a particular brand of spring water.

Gallons of spring water can be purchased for a dollar or two at your local supermarket, and if the pH level is fine, it typically already contains the nutrients your fish will need to stay healthy. It can also be kept on hand in the same room as the tank, so the temperatures of the water in the bottle and the tank should be somewhat similar.

Stress coat additives are also helpful when using some spring waters that don’t have a lot of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Distilled water for betta fish?

Distilled water should not be used in betta habitats unless treated to add essential nutrients and control pH levels. Distilled or purified water, is very different from regular tap water and spring water because it has been processed to remove all chemicals, minerals, and nutrients, leaving you with nothing but pure water.

Betta fish living in untreated distilled water lack many of the minerals they need to survive. As a result, they will lack energy, have a dull-looking appearance, and could die. Using distilled water is not ideal because of the additional work required to make it safe. Use tap water or bottled water instead.

Betta-specific water?

Betta water normally comes in one-gallon containers or smaller and has been pre-conditioned for betta fish. It falls within the correct pH and has been stripped of harmful chemicals (like chlorine) and heavy metals. While it’s more expensive it’s also very safe for betta fish. This water is not required since you can easily treat tap water with a conditioner on your own. If you want convenience you can instantly add this water to your betta’s habitat, which is a big selling point for some.

Well water for betta fish?

Well water may not be ideal for betta fish because it often contains chemicals used in pesticides and fertilizers, and may have high quantities of heavy metals like copper or iron. Well water is also unsafe if treated with chlorine to remove contaminants for drinking unless a conditioner is used.

Those who have well water may also have water-softening systems to reduce hardness, which is a pH of 8.5 or above. Water softeners work by replacing calcium and magnesium with salt. While the salt will be minimal in the tap water from a well, these minerals are essential for a betta. Too hard or too soft water is not ideal and a pH as close as possible to 7 is best.

Most local pet stores will test your water if you bring in a sample. This is highly encouraged as a starting point if you’re unsure about the water in your home. While most conditioners treat heavy metals, chlorine, ammonia, and other contaminants that could hurt your fish, some may only treat heavy metals. Make sure you have the right conditioner for your situation.

Betta fish pH level

It’s important to keep pH in mind when establishing a new tank, through ongoing maintenance, and when performing partial or complete water changes. Betta fish prefer a pH between 6.5 and 8 but can tolerate slightly more acidic water if the change is made gradually. The most important part is the consistency of pH within this range.

As your betta fish poops in the tank and as uneaten food and debris collect, the pH will increase. This is why consistent partial water changes and cleanings are so important. The smaller the tank, the faster the water’s parameters will fluctuate. Test strips are inexpensive and can save your betta’s life with a quick pH test.

Changing your betta fish’s water

Always limit drastic changes in temperature and pH. Betta fish need consistency to limit stress. Establishing a nitrogen cycle for new tanks, partial water changes for established tanks, and acclimation can help reduce stress and promote optimal health.

Perform 20-25% partial water changes in their tank at evenly spaced intervals. Timing will depend on the size of your tank, and whether or not it’s filtered. Full 100% water changes are also required on an as-needed basis for deeper cleanings to remove algae and waste from the substrate, equipment, and aquarium.

For example, a 5-gallon filtered tank should be cycled with a partial water change of 20% 1-2 times per week with new, properly conditioned water. This keeps the water as consistent as possible and lessens the amount of ammonia, bacteria, and stress on your betta fish. Unfiltered tanks may need closer monitoring as nitrogen cycles are more difficult to regulate and may require increased partial and complete water changes.

What to remember

The most important thing to remember is that not all water is created equal. Water quality varies greatly depending on the source. Bettas require homeostasis and that means consistency for things like temperature, minerals, pH, and nutrients. Tap water and spring water are the best kinds of water for your betta fish. Keep water test strips available for easy readings and monitoring.

The post What Kind of Water for Betta Fish? appeared first on Bettafish.org.

Just like other pets, bettas gravitate towards pooping in the same general spot. You’ll often see most of their waste in one location unless you have a strong current or other tank mates disturbing the bottom of the tank. They are also quite picky about being in a safe place when they poop, often near a planted area for privacy (ha!). This can make take cleaning easier too.

How Often Do Betta Fish Poop?

Bettas will poop as often as they need to just like you and me. If you feed them in similar quantities and they eat regularly, they will poop regularly too. The frequency may decline or even stop for periods of time if they refuse to eat, are constipated, or sick. Don’t worry too much about monitoring their bowel movements unless you see something abnormal (i.e. stringy poop, white poop).

Where Do Betta’s Poop From?

Betta fish poop comes out of their butts (figuratively of course)! Betta fish gobble up food using their mouth and mash it up using their teeth. Then it’s swallowed and ingested into their stomach where digestion occurs before passing into their intestine. In the intestine, nutrients are absorbed from the broken down food. Any leftover matter is the waste, which is passed through the intestine and out the anus; located in front of the anal fin and behind the ventral fins.

Betta Fish With Hanging Poop

One instance where you may see your betta fish’s poop is when it’s stringy, stuck, and hanging down from their anus. This is generally a sign of overfeeding and constipation as long as it’s brown and not white. White, long and skinny stringy poop may be a sign of internal parasites. Healthy betta poop is brown and globby. Larger than normal globs can also be a sign of constipation like the photo above from cooneyms on Fishlore.

Remember, a betta’s stomach is about the size of their eye, so only feed 2-4 pellets 1-2 times daily. Fasting one day a week can also help to promote digestive health for betta fish. In the wild their access to food may vary, however, in captivity you should be feeding them regularly. Because of their natural instincts, they may eat every time you feed them and too much.

How To Help A Constipated Betta

If your betta fish isn’t pooping, and they have a bloated stomach, he or she is probably constipated. This is a common ailment because uneducated owners tend to overfeed their bettas. Some betta food canisters also have misleading instructions, which can lead to overfeeding and constipation. Avoid flake foods as that can increase a betta’s susceptibility to constipation.

Prolonged overfeeding and constipation can cause a betta’s digestive tract to expand and press on the swim bladder. This causes buoyancy and swimming issues (SBD – swim bladder disorder). You have to treat this or it can cause a lot of problems.

Follow These Steps:

1. Ensure tropical water temperatures of 76-81 Fahrenheit. Colder temperatures slow down their metabolism.
2. Fast (don’t feed) for 1-3 days, and depending on the severity of constipation up to 7 days.
3. Place a mirror near the betta’s tank or another betta to encourage them to flare. Betta fish often poop when flaring.
4. If fasting doesn’t help, try a Pea Diet: Place a frozen pea in hot, hot tap water for 2 minutes. Transfer to cold conditioned water until cool. Feed 1/2 frozen, thawed and peeled pea per day. He or she should poop within 24 hours.
5. Feed thawed Daphnia which also helps digestive health if your betta refuses the peas.

Relieving constipation is focused on increasing fiber in their diet and moisture in foods. Some brands of food lack both, especially flakes and freeze-dried variations. Peas can also be used every 7-10 days to encourage digestive health.

The post Do Betta Fish Poop? appeared first on Bettafish.org.

Problems arise from misinformation and from beginner caretakers who believe a bowl or other small tank is going to be less work and less expensive. That’s simply not true and can lead to a sick betta or worse. Before you make your decision on filtration, make sure you fully read and understand the pros and cons of each.

Let’s start by understanding a betta’s natural habitat, living in rice paddies and shallow bodies of water. During droughts, a wild betta may even end up in a murky puddle for a period of time with very little oxygen. Betta fish are able to survive in these conditions through evolution, with the unique ability to gulp oxygen from the air (at the water’s surface) instead of relying solely on their gills. This ability comes from their labyrinth organ, classifying them as Anabantoidei or labyrinth fish.

Because of their level of tolerance in low oxygenated water, bettas are frequently sought after and recommended for beginners. They can be easier to care for than other tropical fish with less equipment, but myths are abundant. Claims how they prefer small habitats and can live off the roots of a plant in a vase. These claims are false and can lead to your betta merely surviving. Instead, you want your betta to live a long and healthy life without any suffering right?

Betta Fish Habitats Without Filters

Tanks that are 2.5 gallons or smaller, shouldn’t have a filter because they can do more harm than good. Filters in small tanks cause strong currents, which can toss a betta fish around and stress them out. Bettas are not very strong swimmers and their long fins can further complicate mobility in strong currents. Betta’s prefer slow moving or still water. This is why some caretakers swear by unfiltered tanks for their betta, replicating their natural ecosystem.

Water quality, however, quickly declines in low volume unfiltered tanks. The larger the volume, the slower the water quality will decline and the easier it is to maintain. Uneaten food and feces lead to ammonia, nitrate, and nitrites building up. In high quantities, these can begin to stress and make your betta sick. One of the most common ailments in small unfiltered tanks is fin and tail rot. There are also beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in the water. Constant water changes can limit these beneficial microorganisms and create stress as well.

The absolute minimum size for a betta fish is 2.5 gallons, with the recommended size being 5 gallons or more. Caring for a betta fish without a filter is actually a lot more work. Non-filtered tanks require 1-2 water cycles at around 25% and a full 100% water change each week (depending on water quality). On the other hand, a 5-gallon unfiltered tank will only need 1 water cycle per week at around 25%-35% of total volume and a 100% water change once per month.

You should also use test strips to analyze your water parameters in real-time. To help with unfiltered tanks, remove uneaten food and poop before it settles and decays (pro tip: use an aquarium designated turkey baster to easily suck debris out of the tank). After reading the section below, you’ll quickly realize why filtered tanks can be more beneficial for betta fish and easier to maintain.

Betta Fish Habitats With Filtered Tanks

There are many filters you can buy if your tank did not come with one. Some examples of different types include: under gravel filters, hanging on the back power filters, sponge filters, and internal filters. The most important consideration for betta fish is their strength, with having an adjustable flow being crucial. Your betta should be able to swim freely without struggling.

We recommend purchasing a tank that’s recommended for betta fish and comes with a filtration unit out of the box. Mix-matching items can be tricky, but if you are buying a filter, a weaker than the recommended size is advisable. For example, if your tank is 5 gallons, consider a filter rated for 1-3 gallons.

Benefits of Betta Tanks with Filters

• Waste Reduction – removal of excess food, feces, ammonia, and bad bacteria
• Oxygenation – filters help to oxygenate the water
• Good Bacteria – beneficial microorganisms accumulate in filter media and tanks
• Tank Mates – filters are required with tank mates because of increased bio loads
• Maintenance – reduced maintenance and water cycling

Betta fish like filtered tanks because they do best in stable water parameters. A filter helps to maintain beneficial bacteria while cleaning and neutralizing ammonia and nitrates. Establishing a natural ecosystem is crucial to long-term health and limiting the chances of stress and disease.

Filtered betta tanks will require less maintenance, which makes your life easier. If you forget to perform water changes in an unfiltered tank, things can get bad quickly. In a filtered tank you don’t need to do 100% water changes unless you have an algae or rampant disease problem. In fact, a 25-30% water cycle once a week and vacuuming the gravel is all that’s necessary aside from filter media replacement per your filter’s instructions. Make sure to always clean your filter in tank water and not tap water to preserve beneficial bacteria.

Is Your Bettas Filter Too Strong?

If your betta’s filter is too strong you will need to remove it or reduce the strength of the current. Filters are not ideal for tanks under 3 gallons and you should upgrade the size of your betta’s habitat. Hanging on the back and internal filters come in varying strengths and may be too strong for a betta fish. If your betta is struggling to get to the surface for air, hiding and scared, and frantically swimming in the current, your filter is probably too strong.

This can severely stress your betta fish and lead to fin damage, injuries, and even death. After becoming physically exhausted they can be tossed around or even sucked up by the filters intake tube. Allowing your tank’s water to get and stay below the recommended depth from the filter’s output will also increase turbulence in the water.

The first thing to try is limiting the flow of your filter if it’s adjustable (try the lowest setting). If not, consider returning it, purchasing a new one, or trying these tips. You can increase plants and decorations near the filter to break the flow as it enters the tank. There are also other methods like creating a separate compartment for filtration by dividing the tank.

Another quick fix which will also protect your betta fish is placing a pre-filter sponge on the intake tube to restrict water uptake and ultimately output. Pre-filter sponges will easily fit over certain filters’ output tubes into the aquarium like the Fluval Spec V too. This can help to reduce the flow and turbulence in the tank for betta fish.

Recommended Betta Filters

The size of your tank or habitat will affect which filter is right for your betta. One of the best and most inexpensive options for smaller tanks are sponge filters (on the left). Sponge filters use bubbles of air from an air pump to draw water through a sponge. A sponge filter is very easy to set up and allows for both mechanical and biological filtration. They are perfect for the delicate betta, and also have the added benefit of oxygenation. They work best in tanks up to 10 gallons and present virtually no risk to your betta from suction or flow.

A second option is the hanging on the back (HOB) nano filter (middle). These are ideal for 5-10 gallon or even larger tanks. If you can, get one that has an adjustable flow rate and consider a pre-filter sponge for the intake tube. HOB filters are easy to maintain and they don’t take up viewing or ecosystem space.

A final option is an internal filtration unit that goes inside the tank (on the right). If you already have a small tank (3 gallons), this can reduce swimming space and the overall water volume available for your betta fish. Most submersible filters attach to the tank’s wall via suction cups and perform relatively well if they’re not too powerful.

Conclusion

Do betta fish need a filter? That depends on what you’ve decided given the pros and cons for each scenario above and your personal situation and preference. Please avoid fish bowls and any tank under 2.5 gallons. The larger your tank, the easier it will be to maintain. A filtered tank can further support a healthy ecosystem too. If you decide to introduce tank mates, create a sorority, or place your betta fish in a community tank, filtration will be required for increased oxygenation and water quality.

If you still have questions, please ask them in the comments below.

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If you purchased your betta from a pet store, they are generally between 6 months to 1 year old. These bettas (usually betta splendens) may already be close to their maximum size and have likely fully developed their beautiful long finnage. Age, finnage, and size may vary if purchasing from a breeder or if it is another species of betta altogether (e.g. wild).

Certain pet stores like Petco have also begun selling baby betta fish (Fry). These juvenile bettas range anywhere from five weeks old to nine weeks old. Baby bettas are obviously much smaller in size and require special care and monitoring and should be reserved for experienced caretakers.

How Big Do Bettas Get

Betta fish have an average length of 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) when they are fully grown. On occasion and under the right conditions, a betta fish can grow to as big as 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. How large your betta will grow will ultimately depend on its age and how it has been cared for. The average life span for a betta fish is 2 to 4 years in captivity.

Adult male and female betta fish also differ in size if you take finnage into account. Males possess larger fins than females, however, their bodies at adulthood are generally the same size (average length). A male’s fins simply make them larger and longer in overall appearance. Males also tend to have thicker bodies than females.

How to Make Your Betta Fish Grow Bigger

Pet stores keep betta fish in small cups because they cannot be housed together and the shelf space for that many tanks isn’t usually possible for one aquatic species. Betta fish also do not grow to the size of their tank, however, if you want your betta to grow to its maximum potential you should provide a habitat that’s at least 5 gallons for him or her to thrive in.

Despite being relatively hardy fish, betta fish are also susceptible to many common aquatic diseases. To ensure maximum growth, you should limit stressors that can lead to premature death. Keep your water quality pristine (filters help) and make sure your tank’s water is within the tropical range of 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Internal thermostat heaters that maintain a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal.

A diverse diet consisting of protein rich foods will also help to increase the size of your betta. Betta fish are carnivores and should be fed a mixture of high quality protein-rich betta pellets and freeze-dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. You may also consider live foods to further replicate their natural habitat, although live foods may carry disease.

Promoting a healthy environment will promote the longevity and overall size of your betta fish. Betta fish grow and thrive when they are healthy. If you have any other tips or recommendations, please add them in the comments below.

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One of the main reasons betta fish have teeth is to break down whole food. This helps the digestion of their food into energy and waste too. When you feed your betta fish pellets or blood worms, for example, you’ll notice the chomping action before they swallow and move onto the next piece.

Another advantage of having lots of tiny and sharp teeth is for protection. Betta fish are territorial fighter fish and will fight, sometimes to the death. During fights, betta fish will bite and nip at other fish, especially if they are bright colored and have long fins. This aggression is embedded into the DNA and is important in the wild. Never intentionally make them fight or place more than one in the same tank.

Do Betta Fish Bite?

Another common question regarding their teeth is whether betta fish bite and the short answer is yes they do. A betta’s mouth is very strong, so strong that when comparing their jaw power to their size, it’s stronger than a great white shark. While that’s impressive, they pose no threat to you as the human skin is strong enough to go unharmed by a betta bite.

Betta fish have an upturned jaw. If you watch them feed (from the side) you’ll see their powerful jaw in action. Their jaw and teeth combine to allow them to pulverize their prey, or food into smaller pieces before ingestion as mentioned above.

You won’t be harmed sticking your fingers in your betta’s tank, however, you should make sure they are clean and avoid doing it too often. You don’t want to introduce dirt and other bacteria into their home because they can become sick.

If you want to experience a betta fish’s bite, try placing some food on your finger or simply place it in the tank and move it around slightly. Depending on their level of interest and aggression, they will inflict a bite. That bite will probably feel like a light touch or may even tickle and not hurt.

Betta Fish are Carnivores

Betta fish are carnivores (meat eaters) and in the wild, they feed on insects and their larvae on the water’s surface. Even in captivity you should still vary their diet and introduce blood worms, and brine shrimp. These menu items require teeth for feeding just like you need to chew things up before swallowing them.

Betta’s do have teeth and they do bite, but it’s for their survival. If they bite your finger it’s only because they may mistake it for food or because they’re curious what it is. Their little nibble though won’t cause any pain so you don’t have to be afraid.

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One interesting thing however is betta fish do not have eyelids (only sharks do!). Even when they’re asleep or resting, you may think they’re still awake. Avoid tapping on the tank every time they go motionless because they may be resting. How much do you hate when someone wakes you up from a nice snooze?

Betta Fish Sleep Characteristics

Betta fish (and other fish too) through genetics still have nature engrained into their DNA for species survival. Despite being safe in most aquarium ecosystems, they are still territorial and on constant alert.

Some bettas prefer to sleep near the surface and just sit motionless. Others will find recluse in decorations or just through laying on the bottom in an L-shape. Some will look lifeless laying on their side.

You can reduce stress by having plenty of hiding spots for your betta to seek rest and feel safe. These may include large leafy artificial plants (silk only), driftwood, decorative houses, hammocks, and real plants. It’s also important to turn off your tank and room lights at night as fish use them to cycle their sleeping habits.

Witness Your Betta Sleeping

The easiest way to see your betta sleeping is to approach the tank when the lights have been off for the night. Maybe when you get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom? Grab a flashlight and cover most of the light’s beam with your other hand so you don’t wake him or her up.

Betta fish may also sleep or rest periodically during the day too. Because they have vastly differing personalities, each will be different. Some betta fish act very lazy and will rest or sleep a lot, while others will be active during most of the day and night.

Pictures of Betta Fish Sleeping

Now that you know betta fish do sleep, try not to bother them when they’re resting (“Let Sleeping Fish Lie”). Putting your fingers in the water and touching them, tapping on the tank, or toppling over their safe spot can really stress them out and make them fear for their safety. As your betta fish ages, they may become increasingly lethargic and sleep more than they used to. This is normal.

If you have any questions about betta fish and sleep, make sure you use the comments below:

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