Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, are a very popular fish due to their pretty colors and typically they are cheap to purchase. You will usually see these at pet stores in small containers. If you’re considering getting yourself a Betta fish or already have one, understanding their lifespan will help you keep them healthy and care for them properly so they can live longer because you’ll know what to expect.
First and foremost, where are you sourcing your betta fish? If you can find a pet shop that internally breeds betta, that is the best place to get a fish from. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with the 3rd party pet store betta in small containers.
Most of them become stressed from travel and being cooped up in a small container for a long time. It’s during this stressful process that they can develop health issues that can potentially shorten their lifespan. Needless to say a lot of 3rd party sourced betta are not happy betta fish, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need homes either!
The average lifespan of a Betta fish is 2-4 years. Having them live longer is absolutely feasible. The length of their lives is directly related to the quality of their life and the environment they live in. If you watch their diets and regularly clean their tanks, they are more likely to live longer.
How to Keep a Betta Fish Healthy
Betta fish have the same general needs as other species of fish, but since they are unique, they also have more specific care that is needed. Betta are more aggressive and territorial in nature, so it is best to keep Betta in separate tanks from other fish.
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Proper Tank Care for Betta Fish
Betta fish require a tank that is at least 2 cubic feet of space in order to live in a healthy environment. The bigger the tank, the better.
Betta fish are tropical fish, so they need warm water to thrive. An aquarium heater is a must for your Betta to live a long, comfortable life. The water should be around 76 to 80 degrees fahrenheit for a healthy Betta fish.
The tank a Betta fish lives in should be clean, but not entirely sterile. They do make water conditioners for betta to balance the ammonia levels and other aspects of the tank.
Please make sure to do your homework before introducing a conditioner to your fish’s environment.
Make sure the water’s clean, some pet stores will even provide specific betta fish water. This way you can get gallons of water at a time to change your betta’s tank with ease.
They do need some healthy bacteria to grow in their tanks for their health. When you add new water into their tanks, only do 15% or so at a time so you don’t shock them with the change in water. Live plants also play a role in higher water quality. They also let the betta feel safe and secure, with a nice plant to hide in.
Nutritional Needs for Betta Fish | Betta Fish Care
Betta fish need more than your typical flakes of fish food. In their natural habitat, they hunt insects for food, so there are special betta pellets of food for Betta fish to eat and get the nutrients they need. You want to make sure to avoid overfeeding as this can cause negative results. Betta can also have treats such as:
- Bloodworms
- Brine Shrimp
- Mosquito Larvae
- Freeze-dried Tubifex Worms
Tips to Care for Your Betta Fish
- Find a fish veterinarian
- Maintain a low-stress environment
- Research which breeds can share a tank
- Provide gentle water flow for exercise
Check for signs of illness regularly. Remember, if you have concerns about the health and safety of your fish, consult your veterinarian. Please always do your research before bringing a new pet, such as a Betta fish into your home. With careful planning, you can make sure that your betta lives a long life.