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Betta Fish Pet Care (Siamese fighting fish)

The following are recommendations for basic care. It is important that your exotic pet receive care from a qualified veterinarian. To schedule an appointment with Maryland Avian & Exotics Veterinary Care, email us at info@MarylandExotics.com or call (240) 687-1414.

Origin/Free-Ranging Habitat

• Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
• Wild populations have been introduced to Dominican Republic, Brazil, Columbia, Malaysia and Singapore
• Typically found in standing or slow-moving water of flood plains, canals, rice paddies, drainage ditches and rivers.
• Most bettas found in the pet trade are imported from several Asian countries where they are farmed.

Suitability as Pets

• Life span is 2–3 (avg), up to 5 years
• Bettas make excellent pets and can be housed in small aquaria, making them suitable for small spaces such as offices, dorm rooms and apartments.
• Most bettas are 7–10 months old when purchased at a pet store.

Physical Characteristics

• The species is sexually dimorphic, with males exhibiting long, flowing colorful fins and tails.
• Most bettas sold in the pet trade are males.
• Healthy bettas are available in many colors.
• Several tail types have developed through selective breeding, including halfmoon, delta, super delta, veiltail and crowntail.

Behavior

• Male bettas will display or "flare" when another male betta (and occasionally a female) is present.
• The opercula (gill plates, which cover and protect the gills) are flared wide open, exposing a membrane inside the opercula, the colors intensify and the fins are extended, making the fish appear larger and more threatening.
• The fish will occasionally exhibit this behavior when the owner appears. This reaction can also be induced with the use of a mirror. When the male sees the "other" male, he will typically display.
• Repeated induction of flaring or displaying may cause stress in the fish.
• Bettas are usually found at the top of the water column.
• Males will produce bubble nests by mixing air with a mucoid fluid in their buccal cavity.
• The nest is protected by the male after spawning.
• The presence of a nest is usually associated with a healthy betta.

Captive Housing

• Aquaria: 1–2 gallons of water is sufficient, although bettas can be housed with other community species.
• Males must be housed individually, as they will fight.
• Water quality issues may arise when they are kept in small bowls.
• The ideal pH is 7.0 with a range of 6.8–7.5.

Environmental Temperature/Humidity

• Preferred temperature is 75–86°F (24–30°C).
• Temperature fluctuations can be stressful and may lead to disease.
• A small wattage heater can be used to maintain a constant water temperature.

Environmental Enrichment

• Tank decorations may serve as hiding places.
• Silk or live plants that will not cause trauma to the long fins and tails should be used.

Diet

• Bettas are carnivorous and eat insect larvae, crustaceans, small fish and zooplankton in their native habitats.
• Several good quality commercial betta diets are available in flaked, freeze-dried, gel, frozen and pelleted forms.

Most Common Disorders

• Mycobacterial infections
• Traumatic injuries from fin and tail nipping of conspecifics (when 2 males are housed together) and tank mates in a community tank
• Exophthalmia
• "Dropsy" or renal insuficiency/failure secondary to bacterial or mycobacterial disease
• Coelomic cavity swelling

Zoonotic Potential

• Bettas have a high incidence of mycobacterial infections.
• Other zoonoses not specific to bettas include bacterial pathogens that may gain entry through existing open wounds or punctures obtained during handling of fish.

Special Considerations

• Maintenance of excellent water quality cannot be overemphasized, particularly if the betta is kept in a small volume of water.
  Written by Helen Roberts January 1, 2011 (published) References and Further Reading
  1. Lowry T, Smith SA: Aquatic zoonoses associated with food, bait, ornamental, and tropical fish. J Am Vet Med Assoc 231:876–880, 2007.
  2. Riehl R, Baensch H: Aquarium Atlas 6th ed. Germany, Mergus, 1996.
  3. Stoskopf M (ed): Fish Medicine. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Co, 1993