Hello, fish fans!
If you’ve ever walked past a tank full of dazzling, flowing-finned fish and thought, “Blimey, that one’s got style!” — chances are you were admiring a Siamese fighting fish, more commonly known as a Betta. These stunning little divas are more than just a pretty face, though. They’ve got personality, a touch of sass, and if you get things right, they make brilliant pets.
In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about keeping a Betta fish — from the right type of water, to what they eat, and even how much light they fancy. So let’s get our fins flapping, shall we?
Let’s start with the most important part of a Betta's environment — the water. Bettas are native to shallow, warm waters in Southeast Asia, so we’ve got to replicate that spa-like setup at home.
Here’s what your Betta wants:
Temperature: 24°C to 27°C (that’s 75°F to 80°F for our Fahrenheit friends). Use a small aquarium heater — room temp won’t cut it.
Water Type: They thrive in dechlorinated tap water or spring water. Never use distilled water — it lacks essential minerals.
pH Level: Between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal.
Tank Size: Yes, they can live in a bowl. But should they? No. Go for at least 5 litres — ideally 10 litres or more. Bettas like space to flaunt those fins.
Filtration: A gentle sponge filter is your best bet. Bettas hate strong currents; they’re elegant swimmers, not powerlifters.
Pro Tip: Always use a water conditioner to neutralise chlorine and chloramines before adding new water. Your Betta will thank you with a dramatic tail flick.
Food: Fine Dining, Fish-Style
Betta fish are carnivorous, which means your fish is more of a steak-and-eggs kind of guy than a salad eater.
What’s on the Betta menu?
Betta Pellets: Specialised Betta pellets are a solid staple. They’re packed with protein and made for that tiny Betta belly.
Frozen or Live Treats: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia make for excellent treats (like Sunday roast, but for fish).
Feeding Schedule: Twice a day, in tiny amounts. Only feed what they can eat in 2 minutes. Overfeeding leads to bloating and dirty water — both big no-nos.
Watch out: Bettas can be fussy eaters. If they’re turning their nose (erm, gills?) up at food, try a different brand or texture. And yes, they absolutely know how to guilt-trip you into feeding them again. Don’t fall for it!
Light: Mood Lighting Matters
Bettas don’t need a disco ball in their tank, but light does play a role in their health and happiness.
Natural Day/Night Cycle: Aim for around 8–12 hours of light during the day and darkness at night. Mimic natural cycles — Bettas don’t want to be awake all the time.
Tank Light: Use a soft LED aquarium light. Avoid super bright lights that could stress your Betta or encourage algae growth.
No Sunbathing: Keep the tank away from direct sunlight. It can cause temperature swings and algae blooms. Bettas like to look fabulous, not roast.
Fun Fact: Bettas do sleep, usually tucked between leaves or hiding in their little decorations. If they look a bit lazy during lights-out, don’t panic — they’re just catching some zzzs.
Name Your Betta: They’re full of character — and they’ll recognise you. Give them a name fitting of their royal flair. “Sir Bubblesworth,” anyone?
Tank Décor: Use silk or live plants (like java fern or anubias), and smooth decorations. No sharp edges, or they’ll tear those precious fins.
No Roommates, Please: Male Bettas are not the sharing type. They’ll fight other males, and sometimes even pick on other fish with colourful fins. Female Bettas can be kept in sororities, but it takes careful planning.
Betta fish are cheeky, curious, and surprisingly interactive. With a proper setup, they’ll swim up to greet you, follow your finger, and show off for attention. They’re like the Labradors of the fish world — just, you know, wetter.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance but high-impact in style and charm, a Betta fish might just be your perfect aquatic companion.
So, fish friends, tell me — have you kept a Betta before? Do they have quirks or stories worth sharing? Drop a comment below — let’s start a fishy convo!
Until next time, keep calm and carry on bubbling.
