Tropical Fish: Betta

The Siamese Fighting

Betta Splendens

This variety of Betta has a striking, elaborate tail that differentiates it from other Bettas. These fish have been bred over the years to enhance the fins and remarkable variety of colors of the males, as well as making them increasingly combative. Therefore, only one male should be kept in a tank; however, smaller, shorter-finned females may be housed together.

The Siamese Fighting Betta requires a warm, stable temperature, low light level, and a densely planted 10 gallon or larger aquarium. Once laid by the female, the eggs are tended by the male in a bubble nest. Fry appear in about 24 hours and must be fed very small food initially, such as crushed or powdered flakes and newly hatched brine shrimp. Fry will also take finely chopped hard-boiled egg yolk. A carnivore, the Siamese Fighting Betta will eat all types of live food as well as freeze-dried flakes and frozen foods.

Compatibility: Tetras, Danios, Angelfish, Livebearers, Rasboras, Loaches, Plecos, and Catfish.

Fish Tank: 10 gallon - You can have 1 Betta and:

1 Angelfish or

5 Zebra Danios or

1 Molly or

1 Swordtailed or

5 Tetra Neon or 5 Tetra Cardinal

Fish Tank: 15 gallon - You can have 1 Betta and:

1 Red tailed Shark and 5 Zebra Danios or

3 Zebra Danios 1 small loach or 2 Mollies

Fish Tank: 20 gallon - You can have 1 Betta and:

3 Angelfish or

1 Red tailed Shark and 5 Zebra Danios and 5 Tetra Cardinal or

5 Neon or

4 Zebra loach or 4 Mollies

Tank Care:

Always buy the biggest tank you can afford that will fit in your designated space. Bigger is better because a big tank provides a more stable environment.

It is safer for your fish. A couple of extra flakes of food can pollute a tiny tank, but have no effect on a larger one. A larger tank is less subject to temperature fluctuations. Besides it takes almost the same amount of time to maintain.

Avoid mini tanks. They will severely limit how many fish you can keep. We consider anything under 10 gallons to be a mini tank. Fish bowls are even worse, please avoid these fish-torturing tanks.