The betta (Betta splendens), also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a tropical freshwater fish known for its striking colours and elegant fins. Males in particular can have long, colourful fins. The betta is native to Southeast Asia, where it lives in slow-moving and still waters, among other habitats. The betta has a special respiratory organ that allows it to take in air at the water surface as well as oxygen from the water. This does not mean that a betta can be kept without good water quality or in a small bowl. A heated, well-equipped aquarium with a gentle current is important for its wellbeing.
The betta is a tropical freshwater fish. In the wild, the species occurs in still waters, floodplains, canals and rice fields, among other habitats. Warm water is important in the aquarium. A water temperature of approximately 24 to 30 °C is well suited to the betta’s natural needs. You should also provide a filter with a gentle current, as bettas with long fins in particular may struggle with strong water flow. Set up the aquarium with plenty of hiding places and plants. Make sure the betta can easily reach the water surface, as this is where it can take in air. A lid is recommended because bettas can jump out of the aquarium. A small fish bowl is not suitable as a permanent habitat. A betta aquarium should also provide sufficient swimming space, a stable temperature and good water quality.
Bettas naturally eat mainly animal-based food. In the wild, their diet includes zooplankton, mosquito larvae and other insect larvae. In the aquarium, you can therefore choose a complete fish food specifically suitable for bettas or other mainly carnivorous tropical fish. Variety can be provided with suitable frozen or live food, such as mosquito larvae, provided it is safe and suitable for aquarium fish. Feed small portions that the fish can eat completely. Overfeeding can lead to leftover food and poorer water quality.
Bettas are known for territorial behaviour. Males in particular can be highly aggressive towards other male bettas and should therefore not be kept together in the same aquarium. Keeping males and females together also requires a great deal of knowledge and is not suitable as a standard community setup. Under the right conditions, a betta can sometimes live with other peaceful fish species. Choose other fish that are not aggressive, do not nip at long fins and have similar requirements for temperature and water quality. Monitor the behaviour of the fish carefully. Some bettas are more territorial than others, which means that keeping them with other fish does not work well in every aquarium.
A betta needs stable, clean and warm aquarium water. Check the temperature and water quality regularly and change part of the water when necessary. A suitable filtration system helps to keep the water quality stable. Make sure the current remains gentle. Check the fish’s behaviour and appearance every day. Eating less, lethargic behaviour, damaged fins, abnormal swimming or changes in colour can indicate that something is wrong. In that case, first check the conditions in the aquarium, including the temperature and water parameters. With a suitably set up aquarium, appropriate nutrition and regular maintenance, the betta can display its natural behaviour and be kept healthy.
Whether you have an aquarium full of tropical fish or a pond with goldfish: proper nutrition is the foundation for healthy, active fish. But what do fish actually eat? The answer is less simple than you might think, because not every fish eats the same food. In this blog, we explain the different types of fish food available and what you should keep in mind.
Aquarium fish are beautiful to watch and bring both calm and liveliness into the home. Whether you are a beginner or have been an aquarium enthusiast for many years, there are always species that remain popular because of their colors, behavior, or ease of care. Below you will find an overview of the 10 most popular aquarium fish, including the most important information and housing requirements for each species.
Have you ever wondered how fish sleep? Underwater, this looks very different from how humans sleep: no eyelids, no pillows, and no fixed day-night rhythm. Still, fish also need rest. In this blog, you’ll discover how fish sleep, where they do so, and why rest is so important for their well-being.
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