Betta Fish Care - Ways To Keep A Healthy, Beautiful Fish

Because betta fish can be kept in relatively simple containers as opposed to large aquariums with complicated filtration systems, many people are attracted to them as easy to care for, yet beautiful tropical fish. But betta fish care does require some frequent work to keep the fish happy and healthy.
The first key to betta fish care is to give your fish at least a little space. Yes, they can be kept alive in those little jars they sell them in at the pet stores, but imagine how happy you'd be if confined to a space so small you couldn't move. Bettas kept in very small containers often grow listless and may lose color over time. While your fish does not require a tremendous amount of space, you do want it to have enough room to swim around a bit. A one to two gallon fish bowl works nicely. In addition, since Bettas do breathe at the surface from time to time, you want to make sure there is sufficient space at the surface for your fish to do that.

It should be noted that bettas can jump, so it is important to put some type of cover over the top of your container (as long as it is not airtight!) to keep your fish in the water.

The next part of betta fish care that is critical to the health of the fish is to keep the container and water very clean. Part of keeping the container clean is to use care when feeding your fish. Excess food will accumulate at the bottom and cause bacterial growth and cloud the water. I suggest feeding your fish with the standard betta food pellets by dropping in just one pellet at a time, perhaps 3 or 4 times per day. Not only will this help keep the container clean, it will also prevent overfeeding which can cause swim bladder problems which can kill betta fish.

Frequent water changes are important to keep toxins from building up. Small containers should have at least one third of their water changed at least twice per week. Larger containers with one to two gallons of water or more can be done once per week, with about half the water being changed out.

When changing the water, there are various test kits, water treatment chemicals, aging techniques, etc. that can be used to remove toxic substances like chlorine and to establish the preferred neutral pH of the water. There is a much simpler trick to betta fish care with regards to water though. You can buy ordinary distilled water and not have to test or treat it at all. Distilled water is free of contaminants and has a neutral pH - perfect for your betta fish, and much simpler than trying to get your tap water to the right chemical balance! Just be sure to get DISTILLED water instead of spring water, drinking water, etc., in order to ensure purity and the correct pH.

Good betta fish care also involves keeping the water warm - about 75 or 80 degrees. Bettas come from tropical regions and do not like it when the water temperature is too low.

Decorations in the container are desirable, as betta fish like to rest on objects off the bottom. Be sure to choose objects that do not have any sharp edges, as these can tear up the betta's delicate fins. Real or artificial plants can be used, but with artificial plants be sure the material is soft, again to avoid fin damage.

The tips you now have will give you the basics to keep your betta healthy. A bright, active fish will be the outcome of good betta fish care.

Betta Fish Care For A Healthy And Colorful Betta

Although part of the appeal of betta fish is that they can be kept without the need for a large aquarium or with a complicated filtration system, betta fish care does require some effort. Betta fish are beautiful when kept healthy and happy, and this article will give you the basics on how to achieve just that.
Good betta fish care dictates giving your pet a continer that is large enough for the fish to swim around at least a little bit. Bettas can of course survive in the little jars they are often sold in, but this is far from a healthy environment and bettas in such tight quarters may fade in color and become sluggish. Bettas don't need a huge amount of space, but a little room to swim, and a decent amount of surface area for the fish to get gulps of air in are recommended. As a suggestion, a 1 to 2 gallon fish bowl is a good option.

Betta fish can and will jump, so whatever container you are using, be sure that it can be covered (dont use an airtight cover!) to prevent your fish from jumping out.

The next part of betta fish care that is critical to the health of the fish is to keep the container and water very clean. Part of keeping the container clean is to use care when feeding your fish. Excess food will accumulate at the bottom and cause bacterial growth and cloud the water. I suggest feeding your fish with the standard betta food pellets by dropping in just one pellet at a time, perhaps 3 or 4 times per day. Not only will this help keep the container clean, it will also prevent overfeeding which can cause swim bladder problems which can kill betta fish.

Another way to make sure the water is clean is to change part it on a frequent basis. How much water to replace and how often is largely dependent on the size of the container, as waste products build up much more quickly in small containers than in larger ones. If your fish is in a container with half a gallon of water or less, it is a good idea to change at least a third of the water every 3 days or so. For a one to two gallon or larger container, changing about a third to a half of the water about once per week should be sufficient.

When changing the water, there are various test kits, water treatment chemicals, aging techniques, etc. that can be used to remove toxic substances like chlorine and to establish the preferred neutral pH of the water. There is a much simpler trick to betta fish care with regards to water though. You can buy ordinary distilled water and not have to test or treat it at all. Distilled water is free of contaminants and has a neutral pH - perfect for your betta fish, and much simpler than trying to get your tap water to the right chemical balance! Just be sure to get DISTILLED water instead of spring water, drinking water, etc., in order to ensure purity and the correct pH.

Good betta fish care also means keeping the water to a warm temperature. Bettas come from tropical regions and are happiest at temperatures at about the 75 to 80 degree (Farenheit) range.

Betta fish prefer to rest on objects off of the bottom of the container, so some decorations are a good idea. It is important to use objects that are smooth and don't have any sharp edges, because the betta's fins are very delicate and can be easily damaged. If the material is too rigid, even artificial plants can cause fin damage to your betta.

Using the tips you have just learned, you will be well on your way to keeping a healthy, happy betta fish. The show of brilliant color on your fish will be your reward for your excellent betta fish care.

Betta Fish aka Siamese fighting fish

Betta splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 6 cm (~ 2.3 in), though some varieties reach 8 cm (3.5 in) in length. Although bettas are known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of B. splendens is a dull green and brown, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. However, brilliantly colored and longer finned varieties, such as veiltail, delta, superdelta, and halfmoon have been developed through selective breeding.
The betta is a member of the Gourami family (family Osphronemidae) of order Perciformes, but was formerly classified among the Anabantidae. Although there are nearly 50 other types of bettas, B. splendens is the most popular species among aquarium hobbyists, particularly in the United States.

Lifespan Normally, bettas live 2-5 years depending on how they are cared for. Male bettas living alone in large individual tanks and daily exercise have lived 6 years or longer in laboratories. Typically, males purchased from a pet store are over four months old, at a point when their finnage becomes fullest and most attractive. Due to their shorter finnage, females available in pet stores are often only 3-6 months old.

Breathing Like anabantids and all members of the genus Betta, Siamese fighting fish have a labyrinth organ in their heads that allows them to take oxygen directly from the atmosphere in addition to the oxygen taken from water via their gills.

Diet/Exercise Bettas are top-feeders, but roam all depths of their shallow habitat.Bettas have upturned mouths and are primarily carnivorous surface feeders. In the wild, bettas feed on zooplankton and the larvae of mosquitoes and other insects.

Bettas which feed upon a wide range of foods often live longer, show richer colours, and heal more quickly from fin damage. Betta pellets are typically a combination of mashed shrimp meal, fish meal, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and various vitamins. Bettas also will eat live or frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp or daphnia. For variety and fibre, some hobbyists feed bettas finely chopped vegetables high in protein, such as soybeans, green beans, broccoli, corn, or carrots. Although some bettas subsist on dried flaked food suitable for tropical fish, these fish typically reduce in colouring.

Reproduction and nests Females have an ovipositor, a small, white 'pearl' at the anus, most visible from below the fish. After mating, females lay egg clutches of approximately 100-500 eggs, rarely over 600 eggs. The male tends the eggs and newborns. Betta males build bubble nests of various sizes and thicknesses near the surface of the water. However, after the young fish are swimming freely, the male no longer tends to the young.

Due to their social patterns, bettas are difficult to breed. Most breeders prepare baby food and minnow-ready (cycled) tanks, prior to actual breeding in order to prepare for abandonment by the male parent and to improve the fish's actions such as speed, growth, and energy.

Males sometimes create bubble nests even in the absence of female and young. This may result from quick temperature changes, barometric changes, changes to materials in a tank, or the presence of other males or females.

Tail shapes A metallic, double-tail male BettaBreeders have developed several different tail shapes:

Veiltail (non-symmetrical tail, only two rays) Crowntail (highly frilled, extended spiny rays) Combtail (less extended version of the crown tail) Half-moon (large tail fin that forms a 180-degree, or larger, half circle) Short-finned fighting style (sometimes called "plakat") Double-tail (the tail fin is split into two lobes and the dorsal fin is significantly elongated) Delta tail (tail span is less than half-moon with sharp edges) Fantail (a rounded delta tail)

Colours This pale pink male has red fins and splotches.Bettas have been affectionately nicknamed "The Jewel of the Orient" due to the wide range of colours which are produced through selective breeding.

Top Tips for Betta Fish Care!

Betta fish are beautiful freshwater fish that come in a variety of spectacular colors. They make great aquarium fish for numerous reasons such as being inexpensive to keep and straightforward to care for. Like any pet however, a proper system of care is essential for good health and well-being.
Background

Also known as Siamese Fighting fish, Bettas are one of the best-known types of aquarium fish. They originate in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and certain areas of China and are usually found in shallow waters such as rice paddies and shallow ponds.

Betta fish generally live for two or three years. Unlike most fish they breathe by going up to the surface of the water for air. This makes them quite easy to care for because their tank doesn't need an air pump, filtration or aeration.

Tank and Water

Bettas do well in bowls - a large aquarium isn't necessary. However, do make sure the jar or bowl that you keep your Betta in is large enough for him to swim around in easily without bumping his fins or scales. Also be sure there is plenty of surface area so that he can get enough air, and make sure to keep the water clean.

Keep the tank or bowl in a warm spot - Bettas are tropical fish. The temperature should be around 75 to 80 degrees. Make sure not to put the bowl in either direct sunlight or a drafty spot.

Change out one third of your Betta's water every three days. Use "aged" tap water, which is water that has been set out for twenty four hours. Make sure it's the same temperature as the water in the tank and use a product that removes chlorine as well.

*Important: Never use a fish net to catch your Betta when doing water changes. Their fins are very delicate and can easily get caught and ripped in the fiber of the net.

It's also a good idea to keep a lid on your Betta's bowl because they can actually jump out. Just make sure the lid has holes so fresh air can get in. Depending on space, keep one or more live plants in the fish bowl as well: Bettas like to rest on leaves. There is a special aquarium plant called "Betta Bulbs" available. Set the plant(s) in gravel, and be sure to keep the gravel clean to avoid unsanitary tank conditions.

Tank Mates and Other Species

Make sure not to keep two male Bettas in a tank together because they will fight to the death. They don't call them Siamese Fighting fish for nothing! Females, however, can be kept together. You can also keep both male and female Bettas with other non-aggressive fish species, but don't combine them with any aggressive species or you might have a fight on your hands! Bettas can be safely coupled with species such as guppies, algae eaters or corydorus catfish.

Feeding

Bettas must be fed once a day. Make sure you don't overfeed them, and don't leave any uneaten food in the bowl. They can be fed freeze dried brine shrimp or freeze dried blood worms. They don't usually like worm cubes or flake food though. Check your pet store for Betta food; there are many kinds available, and Bettas will happily eat most of them. However, they like live foods such as live brine shrimp the best. For this reason, a recommended part of Betta fish care is to treat your fish to some live food every now and then. It's fun watching them catch and eat it!

Don't leave any uneaten food in the water. After feeding, use a turkey baster to clean small particles of uneaten food or debris from the bottom of your Betta's bowl. If you don't, the water will become cloudy and unsanitary - it will smell bad and be very unhealthy for the fish too!

Summary

With Betta fish care, always remember that fish are living, breathing creatures just like any other pet. It's your responsibility to feed and care for your Betta and make sure he has a good environment to live in, just as you would a dog or cat. If you follow a good system of care requirements, starting with the tips in this article, your fish will be healthy and happy and will add movement and color wherever you keep them!

Need more resources? We highly recommend this system for Betta fish care!

Healthy Fish for a Beginning Aquarium

Theres nothing that will add beauty and ambiance to a home like an aquarium. �" With clear glowing water, and a massive variety of fish, aquariums, and decorations to choose from, there is an aquarium out there for everyone. As with any pet though, fish require knowledge and responsibility, and there are different species of fish that take different amounts of care and maintenance than others. Anyone who is a beginner at keeping an aquarium needs to make sure they choose their fish carefully. Different fish have different cleaning requirements, live in different temperatures, eat different foods, and even require different sizes of aquariums. When choosing fish that are good for beginners, make sure to pick species that are hardy, don’t require a massive tank, and are clean enough to take low maintenance cleaning. Here we’ll be talking about a few different types of fish that are best suited for the beginning fishkeeper.
There’s no easier to keep fish than the White Cloud Mountain Minnow. These energetic little fish are not only fun to watch while zipping around the tank, they’re extremely hardy, and great for the cool-water aquarium, preferring temperatures between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are schooling fish, meaning you should have at least three or more, and a small school can be kept in an aquarium as small as four gallons. They are not picky at all about what they eat, so flake food is a good choice, but they do love the occasional bloodworm for a treat. Fortunately these are also clean fish, which means that they don’t need as much cleaning of the tank as other species to ensure a healthy aquarium and clean water.

Another great fish for the first time aquarium keeper is the betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish. These fish are best known for their stunning looks, with brilliant colors and long, flowing fins. They are extremely easy to care for, and though it is highly recommended, they don’t even need a filter as long as you are willing to clean the tank a bit more often than not. �" Otherwise, you should get a filter. Bettas also require warmer water temperatures to make sure their immune system stays strong. The biggest debate over betta care is the size of aquarium they can be humanely kept in. �" Though it is generally thought that bettas live longer lives in smaller aquariums. A pretty safe size for a single betta is about a 3-5 gallon tank. Bettas are also extremely aggressive, and it is important to keep in mind that when put with another male betta, they will fight to the death, so they must be kept alone, or with a more peaceful species of fish! �" But never another male betta!

One of the most popular fish on the whole, Corydoras Catfish happen to be wonderful fish for beginners. These fish are among the most sociable, friendly fish you can put in your tank, and love to be in schools with each other as well fish of other species. They grow to about one and a half inches long, making them perfect for aquariums of all sizes. Your aquarium will need a heater, as Corys need water temps between seventy-two and eighty-two degrees. Feeding Corys is very simple, as most of the time they will search the bottom and feed on the leftovers of food from other fish. It is a good idea, however, to supplement their diet with a tropical snack every once in a while, and feeding them things like algae wafers can actually be an entertaining experience. In addition to a heater, your aquarium will need to be about 10 gallons for a school of three or four.

Any of these fish are perfect for someone who has just gotten their first aquarium. The choice between them depends on personal taste and aquarium specifications, but each of them has their own unique charm and personality. They are strong fish that are forgiving, and finding information about them is very easy. Remember when choosing an aquarium to find what’s right for you, and select fish that will work well in that sort of environment.

Hardy Fish For The First Time Aquarium

There's nothing more soothing or beautiful than a glowing blue fish aquarium. There are such a huge variety of aquariums, decorations and fish out there that having your own customized aquarium can be extraordinarily easy. Of course though, as with any pet comes responsibility, and different species of fish require different care than others. Any new fishkeeper needs to make sure that they choose their aquarium carefully. Different fish have different cleaning requirements, require different foods, different temperatures, and even different aquarium sizes! - And when choosing fish for the first-timer, it's a good idea to look for species that are healthy and hardy, clean and easy to keep, and don't require a massive tank. Here we'll talk about some great fish species that are ideal for the beginning aquarium keeper!
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are as ideal a fish for beginners as they come. These little minnows are school fish, and they do best in schools of 3 or more. A small school can be kept in an aquarium as small as four gallons, and can tolerate temperatures from 55 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit, although they are most comfortable at temperatures no lower than 65. They eat all forms of food, do well on flake food, and love to have bloodworms as an occasional treat. They are also very clean fish, and require relatively low cleaning standards to keep a healthy aquarium. They are an energetic fish, and are constantly on the move. They love to search and explore, and swim around very fast with each other.

Siamese Fighting Fish, or bettas as they're most commonly known, are also a perfect fish for any beginner. Not only are these fish hardy, they're one of the most beautiful fish you can buy, with brilliant colors and long, flowing fins. Bettas are probably best known for the fact that they can be kept in rather small aquariums, making them perfect for a child's room or an office desk. Though the aquarium size a betta can be humanely kept in is fiercely debated, a single betta can be safely kept in a tank from 3-5 gallons. One important thing to note though is that bettas are aggressive fish, and that when keeping a male betta, you should never, EVER keep them with another male betta, as they will fight to the death. They also do require warmer water temperatures to make sure their immune system stays in peak condition.

One of the most popular fish on the whole, Corydoras Catfish happen to be wonderful fish for beginners. These fish are among the most sociable, friendly fish you can put in your tank, and love to be in schools with each other as well fish of other species. They grow to about one and a half inches long, making them perfect for aquariums of all sizes. Your aquarium will need a heater, as Corys need water temps between seventy-two and eighty-two degrees. Feeding Corys is very simple, as most of the time they will search the bottom and feed on the leftovers of food from other fish. It is a good idea, however, to supplement their diet with a tropical snack every once in a while, and feeding them things like algae wafers can actually be an entertaining experience. In addition to a heater, your aquarium will need to be about 10 gallons for a school of three or four.

There is a lot you need to take into consideration when you look into getting an aquarium and fish to fill it. Consider your own tastes and wants, how deep a commitment you are willing to make, what you can afford, and what fish will live comfortably in a certain aquarium. Fortunately, most all of this information is easy to find, and there are multiple online resources dedicated to helping you find the fish that are right for you. Keeping fish can be a wonderful experience for anyone, and by starting with something simple like the fish listed above, you can work your way into taking care of fish simply and cleanly.

Betta Fish: Why They Make Fantastic Pets

A pet can go a long way towards improving the quality of your life. Pet ownership has been proven to relieve boredom and stress, decrease blood pressure, improve mood, and provide a purpose in life. Human beings are social animals and by their nature enjoy having something to care for.
Unfortunately, our modern life doesn't always make keeping a traditional pet easy. Dogs and cats are great but there's a lot that goes with them. They need to be exercised, cleaned up after daily, take up a fair amount of space, and eat a lot of food. A great lower-maintenance pet choice is a reptile or fish.

The problem with reptiles is that they just aren't much fun. For the most part they lie around and don't really interact with you at all. They also usually require expensive heating components and can smell bad if not taken care of frequently.

Fish combine the low maintenance of reptiles but can add so much more to your life. They're bright, colorful, and are moving around all of the time. A beautiful fish can be like a permanent flower in your home.

Even with the ease of fish many require big, complicated tank set-ups. That's one of the great things about the Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish. In addition to being beautiful, bettas are fairly hardy fish that don't need a large space or water flow.

Some great features about the betta are:

-They come in a variety of vibrant colors and fin shapes. They are a beautiful fish sure to captivate your attention.

-They survive well in captivity. With proper care a betta will be just fine. Some fish are very difficult to keep healthy, but not the betta.

-Bettas don't need nearly as much space as other fish. Since they're comfortable in stagnant water, a small tank with a bit of airflow will be fine for them. I do recommend a small tank over the tiny bowl they come in so you don't have to change their water daily, but the tank can still be a lot smaller than what other fish need.

-They're amazingly friendly and animated. Bettas will soon learn to recognize their handler and "dance" around when they see you. They're happy to follow your finger around and play games for you.

When you look at the small cost of the fish, food, and set-up along with the bright colors, ease of care, and great interaction they make the perfect first pet for children. Kids love the pretty, animated betta fish and can learn responsibility while caring for them.