red candy plakat betta

Betta Fish – Care Guide & Aquarium Companions

Betta Fish are colourful, intelligent and highly popular freshwater fish known for their flowing fins, vibrant colours and strong individual personalities.

Also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Bettas are available in many varieties including Halfmoon, Plakat, Crowntail, Dumbo, Koi, Galaxy, Samurai and many more.

They are labyrinth fish, which means they can breathe atmospheric air from the water surface in addition to using their gills.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size:
A minimum of around 20 litres is recommended for a single Betta, with larger aquariums providing more stable water conditions and swimming space.

Water Temperature:
Generally 24°C – 28°C.

pH Range:
Approximately 6.5 – 7.5.

Aquarium Setup

Bettas prefer calm, well-planted aquariums with gentle water movement.

A suitable setup should include:

• Live plants

• Floating plants

• Driftwood

• Smooth rocks

• Caves and hiding spaces

• Gentle filtration

• Easy access to the water surface

• A secure aquarium lid

Avoid sharp decorations that may tear their delicate fins.

Strong water flow should also be avoided, especially for long-finned varieties.

Feeding

Bettas are primarily carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet.

Suitable foods include:

• High-quality Betta pellets

• Bloodworms

• Brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Mosquito larvae

• Frozen foods

• Small live foods

• Insect-based foods

A varied diet helps maintain strong colour, healthy fins and good overall condition.

Avoid overfeeding, as Bettas have relatively small stomachs and can easily develop digestive problems.

Behaviour & Temperament

Male Bettas are highly territorial and should generally not be kept together in the same aquarium.

Two males may fight and seriously injure one another.

Female Bettas may sometimes be kept in carefully managed groups, but this requires sufficient space, experience and close monitoring.

Individual temperament varies significantly. Some Bettas tolerate other fish well, while others are more aggressive.

Suitable Tank Companions

Depending on the individual Betta and aquarium size, suitable companions may include:

Corydoras • Small Rasboras • Peaceful Tetras • Kuhli Loaches • Small Plecos • Nerite Snails and other peaceful community species

Shrimp compatibility varies. Some Bettas completely ignore shrimp, while others may hunt and eat them.

Avoid:

Other Male Bettas • Aggressive Fish • Fin-Nipping Barbs • Large Cichlids • Highly Territorial Fish

Long-finned or brightly coloured fish that resemble another Betta may also trigger aggression.

Breeding

Bettas are bubble-nest builders.

During breeding, the male creates a bubble nest at the water surface and cares for the eggs after spawning.

Male and female Bettas should not normally be kept permanently together, as aggression can occur before or after breeding.

Breeding Bettas requires a separate setup and careful monitoring.

Important Note

Bettas should not be kept long-term in tiny bowls or unfiltered containers.

They benefit from:

• Heated water

• Gentle filtration

• Stable water parameters

• Regular water changes

• Plenty of resting and hiding areas

Because Bettas breathe from the surface, always ensure they have easy access to the top of the aquarium.

With warm, clean water, proper feeding and a peaceful environment, Betta Fish can be colourful, interactive and rewarding centrepiece fish for freshwater aquariums.